Dawgs Engineer 62 – 50 Victory over the Aggies
Feb 8, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mark Fox gets winn 200 against Texas A&M at Stegeman Coliseum. Georgia defeated Texas A&M 62-50. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
The Georgia men’s basketball team defeated Texas A&M 62-50 Saturday night at the Stegeman Coliseum. It was the second win in a row for the Dawgs and career victory 200 for Head Coach Mark Fox. Georgia is now 3-0 all time against the Aggies.
The Bulldogs (12-10, 6-4) were led in scoring by Kenny Gaines with 14 points, 7 of which came in the decisive final 4 minutes. Donte’ Williams finished one point short of a double-double, scoring 9 points and claiming 10 rebounds with 3 blocks. Brandon Morris and Charles Mann each scored 10 points.
“Let’s first give Texas A&M credit for being a really good defensive team,” said head coach Mark Fox. “As I said on my radio show before the game, they defend and they play disciplined offensively and then just stay right there in a game and give themselves a chance to win. We knew it would be a possession-by-possession game because that’s just how they play and they’re good at it. Their defense was good. Their defense was better than our offense.
“I wasn’t pleased with our team today in shoot around and it was one of the first times all year that I had to get on our team [during a shoot around]. We just didn’t play as sharp as we had, and again that’s taking nothing away from Texas A&M because you have to give their defense credit. We are fortunate to win. It’s a good win. In this league, every win is good so we’ll certainly take it.”
Feb 8, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard Kenny Gaines (12) protects the ball from Texas A&M Aggies forward Antwan Space (24) during the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
After a slow offensive start for both teams, Georgia gained a 25-18 lead with just two minutes remaining in the half. Texas A&M (13-10, 4-6). However, the Aggies scored the half’s final five points, including its only three-pointer of the game at the buzzer, shrinking the Bulldog lead to 25-at the halftime break.
The Aggies fought back to take a 40-39 lead at the midpoint in the second half with a layup from Shawn Smith, but Georgia quickly re-took the lead on a 5-0 run. Texas A&M would not lead again, as Georgia shook off multiple offensive spurts by the Aggies. Georgia extended the lead to eight—its largest of the game at that point—off of a steal and slam by Charles Mann with 1:42 to play and Georgia closed the game out at the free throw line.
The Aggies 50 point total is Georgia’s best defensive effort of the season. A&M scored all but 9 of its points either at the foul line or
Feb 8, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Texas A&M Aggies forward Davonte Fitzgerald (15) falls as he tries to pass against Georgia Bulldogs guard J.J. Frazier (30) during the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
in the paint. However, Georgia was able to match the Aggies inside output point for point at 30 apiece. The superior perimeter shooting of the Dawgs was the difference in the game and JJ Frazier was key to the Bulldogs shooting success, sinking 2 of Georgia’s 4 three-pointers in limited first half action.
Jamal Jones led Texas A&M with 17 points and 6 rebounds and Kourtney Robertson contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds.
Georgia will travel to Starkville, Miss. to play Mississippi State (13-10, 3-7) Wednesday night at 8:00 p.m. ET. CSS will televise the game.