Georgia looking strong in SEC race but still needs more wins to join NCAA bubble watch

ATLANTA – The SEC standings make Georgia look like a team worthy of NCAA tournament consideration.

The RPI tells a different story.

Georgia, which plays Missouri on Tuesday night, has a firm hold on third place in the Southeastern Conference at 9-5. The Bulldogs are two games ahead of seven teams tied for fourth, including Missouri. A poor start to the season has Georgia only 15-11 overall and, with a RPI of 89, excluded from most NCAA bubble watch talk.

The Bulldogs need a strong finish, including wins this week over Missouri and Arkansas, to earn more NCAA credibility.

Led by sophomore guards Charles Mann and Kenny Gaines, Georgia has won five of six to trail only No. 1 Florida and No. 17 Kentucky in the conference.