The Red and Black

Issue date: 2/15/08 Section: Sports

GAINES

As the Georgia men's basketball roster gets thinner, Sundiata Gaines seems to get better.

The senior point guard is on a career-best run over the past week, having gone off for 32 and 27 points against Florida and South Carolina, respectively, in the Bulldogs' last two games.

Add to that a double-double versus Vanderbilt Feb. 6, and it would appear Gaines has put the team on his back for the stretch run of his collegiate career.

"I just happen to be the guy that's always aggressive and attacking the paint," Gaines said.

"It's opened up a lot of opportunities for me to get some shots, and I've been knocking them down lately."

The Bulldogs (12-10, 3-6 SEC) have needed every bit of his scoring, as they are down to seven scholarship players for Saturday's 3 p.m. date with No. 4 Tennessee (22-2, 9-1) at Stegeman Coliseum.

Billy Humphrey is facing the final game of his suspension for last week's alcohol-related arrest.

In addition, Chris Barnes will be out indefinitely after it was found out that he is suffering from an infected cornea.

"We feel blessed that we were on it so quick, because it's literally the kind of thing where you can lose your vision. But he's doing fine," Felton said.

Gaines' performance in an 82-64 victory over the Gamecocks Wednesday night (27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals) even elicited a bold proclamation from South Carolina coach Dave Odom.

"After tonight's performance, I can say that (Gaines) is the best guard in the conference," Odom said.

"He has taken over offensively. He has always been a great defender, and is definitely their team leader."

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