The Georgia Bulldogs maintained their undefeated record, defeating the Florida A&M Rattlers 87-57 on November 17, 2025, at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens. With a balanced offensive approach and robust defensive tactics, Georgia demonstrated its dominance throughout the game, never trailing and establishing a lead of over 20 points in the second half.
Leading the charge for the Bulldogs (5-0) were Jake Wilkins and Blue Cain. Wilkins scored 14 points while achieving career highs with four steals and four blocks. His defensive prowess was crucial in forcing the Rattlers into 24 turnovers. Meanwhile, Cain recorded the first double-double of the season for Georgia, contributing 12 points and a team-high 10 rebounds.
Georgia’s rebounding efforts were particularly impressive, as they outmuscled Florida A&M on the boards by a margin of 14, resulting in numerous second-chance scoring opportunities. Somto Cyril also added to the Bulldogs’ success with 12 points on 6-of-8 shooting, marking his first double-digit performance of the season, while freshman Jeremiah Wilkinson continued his strong play with 11 points.
Defensive Pressure and Depth Shine
Despite the comfortable win, Georgia head coach Mike White expressed concerns about the team’s performance in the second half. “I thought we played a good first half, outside of the way we shot it,” White noted. “Second half, we weren’t sharp… our defensive energy let up a little bit.” He emphasized the need for improvement as the Bulldogs prepare for upcoming challenges.
White acknowledged the team’s struggles from beyond the arc, stating, “I know we shoot it better than this… I see it every day. I hope it starts on Friday night.” He remains confident in his players’ shooting abilities, anticipating a turnaround as the season progresses.
The Bulldogs showcased their depth, with 11 players receiving meaningful playing time. This collective effort, combined with relentless defensive pressure, proved challenging for Florida A&M (0-4), which found it difficult to create open shots against Georgia’s lengthy and active defense.
White also praised Florida A&M head coach Robert McCullum and his staff for their preparation and defensive strategy. “I thought they defended well. They really moved laterally well and got speed, quickness, and some toughness,” he remarked.
As Georgia continues to build momentum with a 5-0 record, the team is focused on improving its shooting rhythm while maintaining its defensive intensity. The Bulldogs will look to carry their strong performance into their next games, seeking to refine their strategies and enhance their overall gameplay.
