Georgia @ CSU Fullerton preview

Georgia is unbeaten through three games entering Thursday’s contest at Cal State Fullerton in the opener of the Wooden Legacy tournament, but that does not mean coach Mark Fox is pleased with his team’s performance. The Bulldogs survived Texas A&M Corpus Christi’s upset bid Sunday, losing a 19-point lead and dodging a potential game-tying basket at the buzzer in a 68-65 home victory that, for Fox and his players, was way too close.

Yet, Fox also is quick to point out the lessons learned Sunday and in a 74-65 victory over South Carolina Upstate earlier this month will pay dividends for a Georgia squad aiming for an NCAA tournament berth. “Frankly, these games have been good for us,” Fox told the media after Sunday’s victory. “I have played a ton of guys and got them a lot of experience.” One of those players, freshman forward Rayshaun Hammonds, is averaging 15 points and 5.7 rebounds per game in providing the Bulldogs an inside option alongside all-SEC performer Yante Maten. The Titans have faced a difficult early-season schedule, dropping their first two games to No. 10 USC and No. 21 St. Mary’s.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPNews

ABOUT GEORGIA (3-0): The Bulldogs revolve around Maten, the first Georgia player since 1987 to open a season with three consecutive double-doubles. Maten is averaging 20.7 points and 13 rebounds per contest, while guard William Jackson is scoring nine points per game while setting career highs in scoring in his first two games of the season. Georgia has outrebounded its opponents by 14.7 boards per game.

ABOUT CAL STATE FULLERTON (1-2): The Titans earned their first victory of the season Saturday against NCCAA school Bethesda, a 77-35 victory in which Arkim Robertson, Khalil Ahmed and Dwight Ramos each scored 12 points. Robertson is averaging 3.3 offensive rebounds per game so far, while Jackson Rowe leads the team in scoring at 12.5 points per contest. The Titans are shooting just 35.8 percent from the field through three games.

TIP-INS

1. The Bulldogs hit 13 of their final 15 free throws Sunday, raising their percentage on the season to 67.1 percent.

2. Maten has led Georgia in scoring and rebounding in all three games, finishing with 19 points and 13 rebounds Sunday.

3. Thursday’s winner will face either San Diego State or Sacramento State on Friday.

PREDICTION: Georgia 72, Cal State Fullerton 59