Southern Methodist @ Georgia preview

Georgia returns to action at home Friday against SMU after learning some valuable lessons in its first true challenge on the road this season, a 79-59 defeat Saturday at Arizona State. The Bulldogs struggled to find an offensive rhythm, especially in the second half when they shot 33.3 percent from the field, and finished just 2-for-24 from 3-point range overall with 19 turnovers while scoring a season low in points to lose for the third time in their past five games.

“We have got to get mentally tougher and this was our first true road test,” Georgia coach Tom Crean told reporters afterward. “We didn’t handle that as well as we needed to, and we have to learn from that.” Freshman guard Anthony Edwards has attracted plenty of attention through his first nine games, ranking second in the SEC in scoring at 19.8 points, but finished 0-for-5 from 3-point range en route to scoring 13 points Saturday. The Mustangs return to the court for the first time in 13 days after their season-opening eight-game winning streak ended with a 94-71 defeat at Georgetown on Dec. 7. SMU shot just 20 percent from the field in the first half and trailed 49-29 at the break.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network

ABOUT SMU (8-1): Sophomore guard Kendric Davis has been fantastic since the NCAA approved his transfer from TCU and granted him immediate eligibility, averaging 16 points and seven assists while shooting 35.3 percent from 3-point range in five games. Junior forward Isiaha Mike averages 15.3 points and seven rebounds, while sophomore forward Feron Hunt adds 13.7 points and a team-best 7.9 rebounds. SMU relies on a balanced offensive approach, as at least four players have scored in double figures in each of the past four games.

ABOUT GEORGIA (6-3): Edwards has struggled with his shooting from the field at times but still has made a huge impact, leading the SEC in steals per game (2.2) while averaging 5.2 rebounds and three assists per game. Junior forward/center Rayshaun Hammonds ranks third in the SEC in rebounding (8.8) while averaging 13.6 points but shot just 1-for-9 against Arizona State, while sophomore guard Tye Fagan scored a career-best 15 points on 6-for-10 shooting in only 19 minutes of action. Georgia ranks second in the SEC and 12th in the nation in scoring at 83.1 points.

TIP-INS

1. The Mustangs have limited seven of their nine opponents to less than 40 percent shooting from the field.

2. Hammonds is third in the SEC in offensive rebounds per game (3.0).

3. The Bulldogs open a three-game homestand Friday before traveling to No. 13 Memphis on Jan. 4 and opening SEC play against No. 6 Kentucky at home on Jan. 7.

PREDICTION: Georgia 67, SMU 62