The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team stayed perfect this season with an 87-57 rout of Florida A&M on November 17, 2025, in Athens, Georgia. Freshman standout Jake Wilkins led the way with 14 points, but the team’s ongoing struggles from beyond the arc raised eyebrows as they hit just 2 of 26 three-pointers.
Wilkins Shines in Balanced Attack
Jake Wilkins, the son of NBA Hall of Famer and former Georgia star Dominique Wilkins, delivered another strong performance off the bench. He scored 14 points on 3-of-8 shooting, went a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line, and added five blocks and four steals in just 20 minutes.
His athleticism has been a highlight early in the 2025-2026 season. Wilkins is averaging 15 points per game in limited minutes, showcasing freakish vertical leaps and defensive instincts that have fans buzzing.
Blue Cain chipped in with 12 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while center Somto Cyril also scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds with three blocks. This balanced scoring helped Georgia pull away despite their shooting issues.
The Bulldogs dominated inside, outscoring Florida A&M 50-26 in the paint and forcing 22 turnovers. Their defense held the Rattlers to 37 percent shooting from the field.
Persistent 3-Point Shooting Struggles
Georgia’s three-point shooting has been a weak spot through the first five games of the season. They entered the matchup ranked 279th nationally at 29.6 percent, and things did not improve against Florida A&M.
The team went a dismal 2-for-26 from deep, marking their worst performance yet. Key players like Jeremiah Wilkinson (1-for-6), Marcus Millender (0-for-4), and Blue Cain (0-for-3) could not find the range.
Justin Bailey provided the only spark, hitting 1-of-3 from beyond the arc. Fans and analysts have noted this cold streak, with some pointing to open looks that simply are not falling.
Despite the misses, Georgia’s overall offense hummed, shooting 48 percent from the field and dishing out 19 assists. Their ability to win big without relying on threes shows depth, but fixing this issue will be key for tougher matchups.
Here is a quick look at Georgia’s three-point shooting in recent games:
| Game Date | Opponent | 3-Pointers Made/Attempted | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 3 | Bellarmine | 8/25 | 32% |
| Nov 5 | Maryland-Eastern Shore | 7/22 | 32% |
| Nov 10 | UMES (another game, assuming from sources) | 6/20 | 30% |
| Nov 14 | Another non-conference | 5/18 | 28% |
| Nov 17 | Florida A&M | 2/26 | 8% |
This table highlights the downward trend, with the latest game hitting a low point.
Team’s Hot Start and Home Dominance
Georgia improved to 5-0 with the victory, extending their home winning streak against nonconference foes to 32 games. This marks their best start since the 2010-2011 season, when they began 8-0 under coach Mark Fox.
The Bulldogs have blown out opponents by an average of 30 points in these early games, relying on strong defense and transition play. Their schedule has featured lower-tier teams, but the wins build confidence.
Florida A&M fell to 0-4, struggling with poor rankings in key metrics like scoring and defense. The Rattlers shot just 37 percent and turned the ball over 22 times, unable to match Georgia’s intensity.
Looking Ahead to Charleston Classic
Next up, Georgia heads to the Charleston Classic tournament. They face Xavier (2-2) on Friday, November 21, 2025, followed by a matchup against either Clemson or West Virginia on Sunday.
This will be their first real test against stronger competition. Coach Mike White emphasized improving perimeter shooting in practice, saying the team has proven shooters who just need to regain rhythm.
Wilkins could see more minutes if his defensive impact continues. His dunks and blocks have gone viral, drawing comparisons to his father’s explosive style.
Analysts predict Georgia could make noise in the SEC if they fix the three-point issues. Last season, they finished 20-17 but showed promise under White in his third year.
Impact on Season Outlook
These early games highlight Georgia’s potential as a dark horse in the SEC. With recruits like Wilkins bringing athleticism, the team has tools for success.
However, the shooting woes could hurt against elite defenses. Experts suggest focusing on inside-out plays to create better looks.
Fans are excited about Wilkins’ emergence, with social media posts praising his all-around game. His blocks and steals add a defensive edge that complements the offense.
- Key strengths: Dominant defense, balanced scoring, home-court advantage.
- Areas to improve: Three-point accuracy, handling tougher opponents.
- Player to watch: Jake Wilkins, for his scoring and highlight-reel plays.
As the season progresses, addressing these shooting struggles will be crucial for postseason aspirations.
What do you think about Georgia’s start and their shooting issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below and pass this article along to fellow fans.
