Georgia Basketball: path to an SEC Championship
How could the #8 ranked Georgia basketball team overcome the odds and win it all.
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The Georgia basketball team earned the number 8 seed in this week’s SEC Tournament in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s time to dig into the bracket and see Georgia’s path to an SEC Championship.
#8 Georgia vs #9 Tennessee
Georgia won the only meeting this season 76-75. This game was highlighted by the first career and only start for freshman Tyree Crump. Crump scored 13, including a huge 3 and 2 crucial free throws down the stretch. Frazier added a team high 29 points for Georgia. This was the game that got Frazier’s hot streak going. Tennessee’s Grant Williams scored a game high 30 points.
For Georgia to win this game, Frazier will have to have near the same performance he had in the first meeting.
Quarterfinals: #8 Georgia vs #1 Kentucky
In the first meeting between these two, Kentucky pulled out a win in overtime 90-81. It was the heroics from Malik Monk that lifted the Wildcats over the Dawgs. Monk hit every big shot he threw up in the 2nd half including the game tying shot at the end of regulation. Monk ended the game with 37 points. J.J. Frazier scored 23 for Georgia.
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Kentucky outlasted Georgia in the second game as well only winning 82-77. This game was a disaster early for Georgia who lost Yante Maten less than two minutes into the game. J.J. Frazier tried to carry the team on his back, scoring 36, but fell short. De’Aaron Fox scored 16 points and iced Georgia’s hopes with late free throws.
Georgia definitely has what it takes to pull off this upset. A hot Frazier, and a few defensive stops late, and the Dawgs could move on to the semifinals.
Semifinals: #8 Georgia vs #4 South Carolina
South Carolina beat Georgia 67-61 in the first meeting in the return of Sindarius Thornwell. Thornwell had a monster game for South Carolina. He scored 19 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, had 6 steals, and 3 blocks. Yante Maten scored 18 points and had 10 rebounds for Georgia.
In game 2, South Carolina won 77-75. Georgia made a hard push late after trailing by 9 with 3 minutes left. P.J. Dozier lead the Gamecocks with 21 points, while Frazier lead UGA with 18.
This is a good match up for Georgia, if they can make it here. Georgia had South Carolina up against the ropes both times this season.
Finals: #8 Georgia vs #2 Florida
What a championship game this would be! A huge rivalry with a title on the line.
It was the same story, but a different game for the Dawgs who fell 80-76 to Florida in overtime. It was a great back and forth game. Canyon Barry, who is mostly known for his Granny shot free throws, was unstoppable. He was 5-7 from 3 point land and scored a game high 27. J.J. Frazierwas phenomenal as well. He had 25 points in the tough loss.
The second match up was not as close as Florida beat UGA 72-60. Florida took a decent lead early and never looked back. Chris Chiozza scored 15 for the Gators. Yante Maten lead the game with 19.
Once again, this is a winnable game for Georgia. Florida is probably Georgia’s toughest match up in the SEC, but the Dawgs have proven they can hang.
Does Georgia have a legit shot to win the SEC Tournament?
The answer is yes. Although they’re without star Yante Maten, J.J. Frazier has been phenomenal. He has carried this team on his back down the stretch. Derek Ogbeide has stepped up as well. If Georgia can find one more scorer to get hot in the tournament, watch out!