CARROLLTON, Ga.- The University of West Georgia men's basketball team faced a tough road test on Monday afternoon, taking on No. 23 Georgia at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia. One of the nation's most explosive offensive teams, the Bulldogs used their depth and defense to pull away late, defeating UWG 103-74. Tipoff took place at 2 p.m. in front of 10,523 fans, as the Wolves looked to challenge UGA.

The Bulldogs (11-1) opened the game on a 7-0 run in the first two minutes, but Shelton Williams-Dryden stopped the early drought with a pull-up jumper for UWG's (6-6) first points. Josh Smith provided an immediate spark off the bench, knocking down a three point shot to cut the deficit and make the score 12-5 at the first media timeout. 

Georgia continued to apply pressure, but JaVar Daniel made his first three-pointer of the season off an assist from Williams-Dryden and added two blocks shortly after checking in, helping UWG stay within striking distance.

Midway through the first half, Georgia held a 28-14 advantage, but the Wolves responded. Williams-Dryden attacked the rim for a layup, made two free throws, and Matija  Žužić connected from deep, helping UWG put together a 7-0 run of their own to cut the lead to single digits. 

Georgia answered with a 12-0 run before Kenneth Chime ended the surge with a putback layup following a block on the other end of the floor. 

UWG finished the half with momentum, starting with Williams-Dryden drilling a three point shot. The Wolves switched to a zone defense late in the half and held Georgia to just two points over the final three minutes. Malcolm Noel was fouled on a last-second shot attempt and calmly converted all three free throws as UWG closed the half on a 10-2 run to cut the deficit to single digits.

At halftime, Williams-Dryden led UWG with 17 and three rebounds, while Smith added six points on 50% shooting from three. Daniel contributed five points, six rebounds, and three blocks off the bench. The Wolves matched Georgia on the glass with 19 rebounds each, shot a perfect nine-for-nine from the free throw line, and connected on 50% of their three-point attempts in the opening half. Head Coach Dave Moore credited his team's ability to settle in after the early pressure, saying, "We were able to calm down, take care of the basketball, break the press, get into our sets, and score, which helped us get back into the game."

Žužic opened the second half with a three-pointer and followed it with a pull-up jumper, scoring the Wolves' first five points after the break. Georgia, however, responded with an explosive 19-4 run, using turnovers and transition offense to stretch the lead. Noel stopped the run with a transition three, but the Bulldogs continued to build separation as the half progressed. Coach Moore acknowledged the challenge Georgia presents, noting, "They force turnovers and they go on runs. They are relentless in their effort and press the entire game. You can't let your guard down against this team."

Daniel continued to be a bright spot in the second half, converting a tough and-one finish and knocking down multiple three-pointers, finishing three-for-four from beyond the arc.

Despite shooting 43% from three, 93% from the free throw line, blocking seven shots, and scoring 26 points off turnovers, the Bulldogs' sustained pressure and rebounding proved too much to overcome. Moore emphasized the importance of rebounding, saying, "The glass is one of the four elements of winning. We battled on the glass in the first half, but ultimately lost the rebound battle by twenty in the second half, which helped them make their run."

Georgia ultimately pulled away for the 103-74 victory, but UWG showed resilience throughout the contest. The Wolves had three players score in double figures, led by Williams-Dryden's 23 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and four steals. Noel finished with 16 points, while Daniel added 15 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and a steal.

Following the game, Moore praised his team's effort and leadership, saying, "I am proud of our guys. We battled and scrapped. We didn't make enough plays to earn a win, but we gave our best effort. We have heart, toughness, and are led by veterans who have pride in how we perform." He also highlighted UWG's efficiency at the line, adding, "Whenever we are focused and urgent, we have the ability to be a highly effective team from the line."

UWG will open Atlantic Sun Conference play on New Year's Day, returning to Carrollton to host Bellarmine at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased here.