Macon Telegraph Logo

Improving Thornton leads Georgia again | Macon Telegraph

×
  • E-edition
  • Home
    • Customer Service
    • Mobile & Apps
    • Newsletters
    • Buy Photos and Pages
    • Contact Us
    • Newsletters
    • Subscribe
    • Archive Search

    • All News
    • Local
    • Houston & Peach
    • The Sun News
    • Crime
    • Food Story
    • Education
    • Databases
    • Business
    • Nation/World
    • Opinion
    • Weird News
    • All Sports
    • High Schools
    • University of Georgia
    • Bulldogs Beat
    • Georgia Tech
    • Mercer
    • Columns & Blogs
    • MLB & Braves
    • NFL & Falcons
    • NBA & Hawks
    • Auto Racing
    • Golf
    • NHL/Macon Mayhem
    • Politics
    • Elections
    • All Living
    • Family
    • Food
    • Home & Garden
    • Religion
    • Celebrations
    • Mark Ballard
    • Dear Abby
    • Entertainment
    • Out & About
    • Celebrities
    • Music
    • Restaurants
    • Comics
    • Puzzles & Games
    • Horoscopes
    • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Editorial Cartoons
    • Letters to the Editor
    • Submit a Letter
    • Blogs & Columns
    • Opinion Columns & Blogs
    • Your Say
  • Obituaries
  • Education Together
  • Best of the Best

  • Classifieds
  • Jobs
  • Moonlighting
  • Cars
  • Homes
  • Place An Ad
  • Contests

  • About Us
  • Mobile & Apps

Bulldogs Beat

Improving Thornton leads Georgia again

By SETH EMERSON - semerson@macon.com

    ORDER REPRINT →

November 23, 2014 08:32 PM

ATHENS -- Marcus Thornton fell to the floor early in Sunday’s game, and when the senior forward got up with a limp, given his history, it was understandable for anyone around the Georgia men’s basketball team to be a bit nervous.

It turned out just to be a rolled ankle, and not only did Thornton quickly return to the game, he had a double-double to lead Georgia to a 74-61 victory over Florida Atlantic.

That was heartening to see for the Bulldogs, as Thornton is a big part of the equation if they are to have a good year. He’s off to a very good start, averaging 14 points and 7.8 rebounds in Georgia’s first four games. Both are team highs.

“This year, he has confidence in his body; he has confidence in his game, so he can really be aggressive,” Georgia head coach Mark Fox said.

SIGN UP

Sign Up and Save

Get six months of free digital access to The Telegraph

SUBSCRIBE WITH GOOGLE

#ReadLocal

Two years ago, Thornton took a medical redshirt because of knee surgery, which was his third since arriving at Georgia. He was rusty when he returned at the start of last season, only averaging 7.5 points and 5.2 rebounds in non-conference play. His team struggled, too, starting 6-6.

But Thornton took his game to another level when SEC play began, averaging 9.2 points and 6.9 rebounds, and he was a big reason the Bulldogs went 12-6.

It appears he’s even more comfortable this year. He had 17 points Sunday, tying the career-high he set in the previous game, and had a game-high 12 rebounds.

“I have the feeling of having played,” Thornton said. “Last year when I came on, it had been a year or so since I’d gotten to play or play at full strength so it took me awhile to get going and get a feel for what it’s like to play in a game and be in the pace and rhythm of the game. So this year, I didn’t really have to take that time off and get readjusted.”

Georgia’s win Sunday was more lackluster than Friday, when it pummeled Stony Brook. It took a 17-5 run in the first half to grab the lead from Florida Atlantic (1-3), and while it was never that close in the second half, the Bulldogs could never quite run away with the game.

Now the Bulldogs head to New York City for the NIT Season Tip-Off, where they open Wednesday with No. 13 Gonzaga. Fox put a good face on Sunday’s performance.

“It’s good to have some errors and to learn from them,” Fox said.

Thornton wasn’t the only Bulldogs player to have a big game. Junior guard Kenny Gaines, continuing to work back into shape after missing three weeks with mononucleosis, had 15 points in 31 minutes.

Senior forward Nemanja Djurisic nearly had a triple-double (eight points, 10 rebounds, eight assists).

“Would we really have wanted to focus on something like that he probably could have had it,” Fox said. “He’s a really complete player.”

  Comments  

Videos

Caliya Robinson reflects on performance following win over Ole Miss

Georgia head coach Tom Crean happy with team’s attitude, effort against LSU

View More Video

Trending Stories

Friends helping stranded ambulance driver are killed as truck runs over Prius on I-16

February 20, 2019 10:33 AM

This traffic cop was nearly killed in a crash. The wreck may have saved his life.

February 19, 2019 03:50 PM

Stacey Abrams appearance at voting rights hearing has political overtones, GOP says

February 19, 2019 10:20 AM

‘It was like one of those Nascar things,’ ex-Macon cop says of violent wreck

February 19, 2019 03:49 PM

‘It’s not about the food,’ says Macon pastor. Church meals bring bring people together

February 20, 2019 12:00 AM

Read Next

Finding a rhythm: Caitlin Hose showing 3-point prowess, easing into role for Lady Bulldogs

Bulldogs Beat

Finding a rhythm: Caitlin Hose showing 3-point prowess, easing into role for Lady Bulldogs

By Brandon Sudge

    ORDER REPRINT →

February 19, 2019 06:41 PM

Caitlin Hose and Jenna Staiti are women’s basketball teammates but also roommates. Their friendship has helped the two first-year players find their footing in a college-level basketball atmosphere.

KEEP READING

Sign Up and Save

#ReadLocal

Get six months of free digital access to The Telegraph

SUBSCRIBE WITH GOOGLE

MORE BULLDOGS BEAT

How Lady Bulldogs discovered the importance of limiting turnovers in rout of Ole Miss

Bulldogs Beat

How Lady Bulldogs discovered the importance of limiting turnovers in rout of Ole Miss

February 18, 2019 11:54 PM
Georgia men’s basketball falls to LSU in close game, but there’s a silver lining

Bulldogs Beat

Georgia men’s basketball falls to LSU in close game, but there’s a silver lining

February 16, 2019 10:22 PM
Back to normal: GymDog Marissa Oakley shines, finds redemption in anchor position on bars

Bulldogs Beat

Back to normal: GymDog Marissa Oakley shines, finds redemption in anchor position on bars

February 16, 2019 10:51 AM
Where the Lady Bulldogs’ NCAA tournament chances stand after sixth SEC loss

Bulldogs Beat

Where the Lady Bulldogs’ NCAA tournament chances stand after sixth SEC loss

February 15, 2019 05:49 PM
Take a bow: Rachel Dickson ecstatic to nearly master vault routine made iconic by UGA coach

Bulldogs Beat

Take a bow: Rachel Dickson ecstatic to nearly master vault routine made iconic by UGA coach

February 14, 2019 11:55 AM
What Anthony Edwards’ commitment means for Georgia

Bulldogs Beat

What Anthony Edwards’ commitment means for Georgia

February 11, 2019 09:09 AM
Take Us With You

Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand.

Icon for mobile apps

Macon Telegraph App

View Newsletters

Subscriptions
  • Start a Subscription
  • Customer Service
  • eEdition
  • Vacation Hold
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Rewards
Learn More
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletters
  • News in Education
  • Archives
Advertising
  • Place a Classified Ad
  • Advertise with Us
  • Local Deals
Copyright
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service


Back to Story