What: Georgia (13-5, 3-2 SEC) vs. LSU (11-7, 3-2 SEC)

When: Wednesday, 6:30p.m.

Where: Stegeman Coliseum (Athens, Ga.)

TV: SEC Network

Saturday proved a rude awakening for a Georgia team that’s been competitive in every game it has played this season. Of course the news that broke on game day didn’t help UGA’s cause.

Kentucky freshman Zvonimir Ivišić was cleared to play by the NCAA early Saturday, ending a prolonged eligibility process and allowing the 7’2″ forward to make his college basketball debut against Georgia.

Regardless of the circumstances, the Bulldogs’ ability to claw out of a 28-point hole and lose by single digits was a feat in and of itself.

Georgia now returns to Athens to host LSU – another squad that has dropped 2 of its last 3 tilts.

LSU hits the road after a wonky week at home. The Tigers beat Ole Miss last Wednesday but fell to Texas A&M Saturday. Even so, at 3-2 in the SEC, LSU already boasts more conference wins than their 2-18 campaign a season ago.

Senior guard Jordan Wright leads the Tigers in nearly every statistical category. The Vanderbilt transfer is averaging 16 points and just under 6 rebounds per contest.

Jalen Cook, who didn’t see action until mid-December after an NCAA court deal granted him eligibility, has settled into the Tigers’ lineup nicely. Cook plays over 28 minutes per game and is good for 15 points per tilt.

7-foot center Will Baker is LSU’s go-to guy down low. Look out for a battle in the paint Wednesday evening between Baker and Georgia big man Russel Tchewa.

Who’s hot

For Georgia it’s Jabri Abdur-Rahim. The sharpshooter has found his rhythm this season, especially from deep. Abdur-Rahim hit another seven 3’s against Kentucky. He seems to hit the mark against stiffer competition, evidenced by 21 points against #5 Tennessee last Saturday then another 34 in Lexington over the weekend.

For LSU it’s Wright. In the Tigers’ win over Ole Miss, Wright dropped 27 points and added 7 steals, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Against TAMU Saturday, he put up a double-double with 15 pts, 10 rbs and 6 assists.

Who’s not

Noah Thomasson has had sterling moments this season for the Bulldogs, but last week wasn’t one of them. Thomasson shot 2-for-7 (0-1 3PT) at South Carolina then went just 2-for-10 (0-4 3PT) at Kentucky. He’ll look for a bounce back performance against LSU.

Cook’s managed a modest 21-of-53 shooting performance for the Bayou Bengals over the team’s last 4 games. During that same stretch, however, Cook has hit just 4 of his 24 3-point tries. Based on past trends, he’ll likely keep firing from deep in Athens.

How they stack up

Georgia’s key wins: at Florida State, at South Carolina

LSU’s key wins: at Texas A&M, Ole Miss

Most recent meeting: March 8, 2023 (LSU def. UGA, 72-67)

Series history: LSU leads 70-47