Eight things to know before tonight’s men’s basketball game

The Golden Grizzlies men’s basketball team (3-2) has been on the road since Nov. 21. Tonight, the team faces SEC opponent University of Georgia (2-2) for its fifth of six straight non-conference road games. Here’s what you need to know before tip off.

MAKING HISTORY: This is the first time in history that Oakland and Georgia have faced each other, and only the third time UGA has faced a Horizon League school. 

LEADING THE NATION: Preseason player of the year Kahlil Felder is currently leading the nation in assists per game with 10.8 — that’s 2.2 more than Oakland’s assistant coach Drew Valentine’s younger brother Denzel of Michigan State, who sits in second in the nation with 8.6. 

DOUBLE-DOUBLE MACHINE: Felder has recorded a double-double in points and assists each game this season. He’s scored a season-high 27 points twice this season and dished a season-high 12 assists twice as well. 

NEW FACES: Iowa State transfers Percy Gibson and Sherron Dorsey-Walker have fared well thus far for Oakland, averaging 18.2 and 12.2 points a night for the Golden Grizzlies, respectively. Dorsey-Walker currently leads the team in rebounds per game with 9.2 and Gibson is second with 8.8.

LEAGUE-LEADING PERCENTAGES: As a team, Oakland leads the Horizon League in free throw percentage (78.4) and three point percentage (41.6).

SCOUTING THE BULLDOGS: UGA’s season began on Nov. 13. The Bulldogs have defeated Murray State and High Point but dropped games against Seton Hall and Chattanooga. Georgia leads the SEC in blocks per game with 6.5. Guards Kenny Gaines and Charles Mann were named to the preseason All-SEC first team. 

EIGHT GAMES OUT: Including tonight’s game, Oakland is eight games out from its first league game against Cleveland State University on Jan. 2. Five games in to the season last year, Oakland had recorded just one win.

WATCH OR LISTEN LIVE: The game tips off at 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on the SEC+ Network and WDFN-AM 1130.