Preview: Georgia Highlands Chargers at Andrew Fighting Tigers

CUTHBERT, Ga. (Interstat) — Two Georgia junior college men’s basketball teams seeking consistency will meet Saturday when the Georgia Highlands Chargers visit the Andrew Fighting Tigers.

The Chargers (3-5) enter on a two-game skid, including a 76-64 home loss to Central Georgia on Wednesday. The Fighting Tigers (1-3) snapped a three-game losing streak with an 86-81 victory over Southern Crescent on Jan. 10.

Georgia Highlands will lean on guard Braylen Smith, who has been a standout despite the team’s recent struggles. Smith is coming off a 21-point, five-assist performance in the loss to Central Georgia and averaged over 22 points per game in his last three contests. Josh Cooper (16 points, eight rebounds) and Justen Goudelock (11 points) provided support in the midweek defeat.

Andrew’s attack is paced by Xavier Burkes, who led the team with 19 points, five rebounds and two assists in the win over Southern Crescent. Zion Suber (18 points, seven rebounds) and Jasiyah Suber (13 points) were also key contributors in that victory.

The Chargers’ season has been marked by volatility, with a three-game win streak in early December followed by their current 2-5 stretch. Andrew’s season has been abbreviated, with only four games played since late October. Their lone win showed offensive potency, but a 51-88 loss at Albany Tech on Jan. 7 highlighted potential defensive vulnerabilities.

This contest opens a critical stretch for both squads as conference play intensifies. Georgia Highlands will look to Smith to control the tempo, while Andrew will aim to build momentum from its first win and protect its home court.

The teams are scheduled to meet again in Rome, Georgia, on Feb. 14.

Tip-off is set for Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, at Andrew College in Cuthbert.