Athens, Ga. — Blue Cain poured in 18 points and freshman guard Jeremiah Wilkinson delivered a major lift off the bench as Georgia edged rival Georgia Tech 92–87 on Friday night, preserving the Bulldogs’ unbeaten start.
Cain was efficient throughout, knocking down two threes and converting six of seven free throws for Georgia (4–0). Wilkinson brought instant energy, finishing with 18 points, three steals and several momentum-changing plays. Jordan Ross added 14 points and three assists, while big man Somtochukwu Cyril contributed eight points, six rebounds and three blocks on the interior.
Georgia Tech (3–1) stayed competitive behind its perimeter shooting. Kam Craft drained five 3-pointers on his way to 17 points, Jaeden Mustaf scored 15 and dished out six assists, and Lamar Washington sparked the Jackets’ bench with 16 points, five rebounds and two steals.
The Bulldogs trailed 45–44 at halftime but seized control early in the second half with a 14–2 burst fueled by defensive pressure. Cyril hammered home a dunk to ignite the run, and Wilkinson’s activity on both ends helped stretch Georgia’s lead to 80–69.
Tech wasn’t done, clawing back behind Craft’s shooting and Washington’s slashing. A late 3 from Craft and a layup from Washington trimmed the margin to 86–84 with under two minutes to play, but Georgia responded. Ross attacked the lane for a crucial basket, Wilkinson calmly sank two free throws, and Cain added one more in the closing seconds to secure the win.
Georgia finished with a 49–43 advantage on the boards and made the most of its opportunities at the stripe, outscoring Tech 32–17 on free throws.
