ATHENS, Ga. (Interstat) — The surging Georgia Bulldogs, off to their best start in years, look to continue their dominant nonconference play when they host the struggling Western Carolina Catamounts on Thursday night at Stegeman Coliseum.

Georgia (9-1) has won four straight since its lone loss, a 97-94 overtime setback to Clemson on Nov. 23. The Bulldogs are coming off an 84-65 rout of Cincinnati on Dec. 13, where they showcased a balanced and high-powered offense that averages 92.9 points per game.

A key catalyst has been guard Blue Cain, who is averaging 17.3 points over his last three contests. He posted 22 points, five rebounds and five assists against the Bearcats. His backcourt partnership with Marcus Millender and the interior presence of Somto Cyril have given Georgia multiple reliable scoring options.

Western Carolina (4-6) enters on a three-game losing streak, including a 96-74 defeat at Virginia Tech on Dec. 11. The Catamounts have faced a tough road slate, with all six losses coming away from home and five by double digits.

The Catamounts will lean on guard Marcus Kell, who has shown explosive scoring potential despite recent inconsistency. Kell poured in 22 points at Virginia Tech and 27 at High Point in late November, but was held to just two points in a loss to South Carolina Upstate. Containing Cain and finding consistent support for Kell will be primary challenges for Western Carolina.

Georgia has dominated its home schedule, winning all six games in Athens by an average margin of 42.8 points. Western Carolina is 0-5 in true road games this season.

This is the final tune-up for Georgia before Southeastern Conference play begins Jan. 3 against Auburn. Western Carolina opens Southern Conference action on Dec. 31 against Wofford.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.