Preview: Georgia takes on Delaware State in "Maui on the Mainland"

Georgia begins it's Maui Invitational campaign tonight against Delaware State in the "Maui on the Mainland event.

The Georgia Bulldogs head into the second match up of the week, playing the Delaware State Hornets. 

Georgia (2-0) comes in as a 32-point favorite over Delaware State (0-2). ESPN's Basketball Power Index gives the Bulldogs a 97.3% chance to come out on top.

Maui on the Mainland🏝️

🆚 Delaware State
⌚ 7 p.m. ET
📍 Stegeman Coliseum
🎟️ https://t.co/XI1GHTxILx

📊 https://t.co/o9nyyeQvzW
📺 https://t.co/lHByQtplmV
📻 https://t.co/dmUvIfod38
🗞️ https://t.co/jsEKXRClQx pic.twitter.com/xc6cBtNX7M

— Georgia Basketball (@UGABasketball) November 15, 2019

The Hornets started out their season with two double-digit losses to Rider and Manhattan. In those two games, the team has averaged just 64 PPG and 83 points allowed per game. They'll need some serious turning around if they want to pull off the huge upset.

The Hornets are led offensively by guard, John Crosby (13 PPG). Crosby has transferred from Dayton in hope of a better opportunity. In just the two games he's played at his new school, he's score 25% of his season total from 17'-18'. Crosby is a solid scorer from anywhere on the floor, so the Bulldog back court will need to stay on him.

Georgia, coming off of a win against The Citadel, will look to improve on the solid start to the season. The Bulldogs' red-hot offense is currently averaging 93 PPG. The team is doing a great job of forcing turnovers, which is leading to points in transition. 

Anthony Edwards (26.5 PPG), is currently the second-leading scorer in the SEC. He can take advantage of the "tune-up" game tonight to increase his average.

In this game, Tom Crean will take advantage of playing a weaker opponent to "clean up" a few aspects of the teams' play.

Look for the Georgia Bulldogs to play looser offensively. That means, take the shot if your open, don't be afraid to drive in, and create shots for others. On defense, expect them to continue to take advantage of weaker ball-handlers, which leads to steals and transition points; however, the team needs to do a better job of contesting shots and limiting the three-point shot. Against The Citadel, the team allowed 14 three-pointers on 42.4% shooting, so they've got to get better there.

In the end, Georgia's elite backcourt and dominance on the boards should allow the Bulldogs to come out with a convincing win.

Prediction: Georgia 87, Delaware State 65