ATHENS, Ga. (Interstat) — In a dominant season-opening performance, the Georgia Bulldogs overwhelmed the Bellarmine Knights 104-59 in a non-conference men’s basketball game Monday night at Stegeman Coliseum.

A crowd of 6,187 watched the Bulldogs open the Mike White era with a resounding victory, showcasing a stifling defense and a balanced offensive attack. Georgia never trailed, opening the game on a 9-0 run and building a 49-29 lead by halftime. The Bulldogs then poured in 55 points in the second half to seal the win.

The game was defined by Georgia’s relentless defensive pressure. The Bulldogs forced Bellarmine into 21 turnovers, converting them into numerous transition opportunities. Georgia also recorded 16 steals and six blocked shots, disrupting the Knights’ offensive flow from start to finish. Bellarmine, by contrast, managed just six steals and three blocks.

Offensively, Georgia’s efficiency was stark. The Bulldogs shot 54 percent from the field, connecting on 38 of 70 attempts. They were also nearly perfect from the free-throw line, making 19 of 21 attempts. Bellarmine struggled to find consistent offense, shooting 40 percent from the floor and 29 percent from beyond the arc.

While the Bulldogs’ scoring was spread across the roster, Jack Karasinski was a bright spot for the Knights, leading all scorers with 23 points and adding eight rebounds in 23 minutes of action.

For Georgia, Blue Cain and Jeremiah Wilkinson each contributed 15 points. Cain added four rebounds, while Wilkinson tallied two rebounds, an assist and a block. Jake Wilkins provided a spark off the bench with 12 points, and Dylan James filled the stat sheet with nine points, six rebounds and three assists. The Bulldogs’ depth was on full display as 10 different players scored at least eight points.

The victory gives Georgia a 1-0 start to the season, while Bellarmine begins its campaign 0-1. The Knights will look to rebound on the road Saturday against Kansas State. Georgia returns to action Wednesday at home against Maryland-Eastern Shore.