From AJC article: “5 things to know about Georgia’s run to NIT Final Four.”
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How ‘bout that bench?
Probably the most distinguishing characteristic of Georgia’s team is its bench. The Bulldogs’ reserves have outscored their opponents’ backups in 29 of 36 games this season. That includes 22-17 in the latest outing against Ohio State and 23-2 when they beat Wake Forest.
For the season, Georgia ranks 21st nationally in bench scoring (28.4 ppg) and boasts a margin of plus-372 points, or 10.3 per game. The Bulldogs feature 12 players that average 8.5 minutes per game or better. By comparison, Seton Hall has eight such players, with four starters averaging 32 minutes or more per game.
While it was Justin Hill (21 points) against the Demon Deacons, it was senior center Frank Anselem-Ibe that came through the Bulldogs in the win over the Buckeyes. The 6-10, 215-pound senior from Nigeria – who attended Westlake High one year – recorded 10 points and 10 rebounds in the 79-77 victory.
Anselem-Ibe’s performance placed him among Georgia basketball royalty when it comes to those who have recorded “double-doubles” in the NIT. They include Dominique Wilkins, who did it three times, Terry Fair, Charles Claxton, Shandon Anderson, Jumaine Jones and Yante Maten.