What went wrong
Despite playing better a better game against South Carolina than last time, Georgia still lost in overtime. Here’s why Georgia struggled to put distance between itself and the Gamecocks.
Being dominated in the paint
Georgia may have played well enough in the paint to match South Carolina in rebounds, but it didn’t play well enough to prevent the Gamecocks from scoring. South Carolina made 31 two-point shots and shot 56-percent inside the arc.
The Gamecocks had way too easy a time penetrating Georgia’s defense. The main culprits were Maik Kotsar (19 points, 16 inside the arc), Alanzo Frink (22 points, 16 inside), Keyshawn Bryan (16 points, 12 inside) and Jalyn McCreary (10 points, all inside). It’s tough to beat anyone when you allow them to get to the rim so often.
Missing free throws in overtime
Georgia in regulation had an outstanding game at the free throw line, making 82-percent of its free throws. In overtime, that percentage dropped to just 50-percent (3-of-6). Edwards missed a pair of free throws after shooting a perfect 10-of-10 from the line in regulation. Sahvir Wheeler split on his first trip, keeping Georgia from typing the game. That little bit of breathing room gave South Carolina a chance to pull away.