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Georgia basketball vs. Gonzaga: Magical season comes to a heartbreaking end

Georgia basketball's magical season comes to a crashing end at the hands of Gonzaga.
ByTrevor Michael|
Mar 20, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Jaden Newell (24) and forward Asa Newell (14) in the second half of a first round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images
Mar 20, 2025; Wichita, KS, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Jaden Newell (24) and forward Asa Newell (14) in the second half of a first round men’s NCAA Tournament game against the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Intrust Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images | Nick Tre. Smith-Imagn Images

That was fast. Georgia basketball had their first NCAA Tournament game in a decade as they took on 8-seed Gonzaga in the first round in this year's tournament. Everyone form Georgia was thrilled to watch the Bulldogs take on the Big Dance after an impressive finish to their regular season, but there was unfortunately not much to cheer for during this game.

Gonzaga ended up winning this game 89-68, and it honestly never even felt that close at any point this afternoon.

Gonzaga jumped on Georgia early

The one thing Mike White and Georgia couldn't afford to do is start slow in this game. Gonzaga is an experienced team who has made the Sweet 16 nine years in a row, so falling behind early would be tough to overcome. Unfortunately that is exactly what happened as Gonzaga had a 13-0 lead at the first media timeout.

The game did not get any better from there as Gonzaga continued to expand their lead and never let UGA get any momentum throughout the game. Gonzaga led 48-27 at halftime, and while Blue Cain gave Georgia a mini spark during the second half, it did not last long as Gonzaga ballooned their lead immediately once again en route to their dominant victory.

Player of the game

The only bright spot for Georgia in the NCAA Tournament was freshman sensation Asa Newell. Newell nearly finished with a double-double as he poured in 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds as well.

This unfortunately will likely be Newell's last game in a Georgia uniform as he is a projected lottery pick in this year's NBA Draft. It is unfortunate that his Georgia career could come to an end in this way, but that shouldn't take away from the impressive season that he had.

How should this season be remembered?

While the way the season ended on Thursday will leave a sour taste in the mouths of Georgia fans, this season should be remembered as a massive success. The Bulldogs made the tournament for the first time since 2015 while beating elite teams like Kentucky, Florida and St. John's along the way.

This season is also one that White and Georgia will be able to build on as they now have some experience playing on the biggest stage college basketball has to offer. So don't be surprised if Georgia becomes a regular in the NCAA Tournament, because making the tournament this year with how elite the SEC was this season is no small feat.

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