Georgia basketball and Auburn literally fought like cats and dogs in this late-season matchup between longtime SEC foes who met on the hardwood for the 200th time. Many would say that losing a close game against Auburn in their house is nothing to hang your head over, but for Georgia when you are fighting for your season, there is no such thing as a good loss.
The Georgia Bulldogs came into this contest looking for the ultimate statement win against the No. 1 team in the country, but Auburn was able to hang on late to seal the 82-70 victory Saturday afternoon at Neville Arena in Auburn, AL.
Both teams struggled from the field offensively in the first half. Even with Georgia (16-11, 4-10 SEC) spotting Auburn (25-2, 13-1 SEC) a 9-0 lead to start the game, Auburn would only take a 29-24 lead into halftime. Despite only shooting 42.5 percent (8/19) from the field in the first half, Georgia gave themselves a chance in this game.
Georgia head coach Mike White discussed his thoughts of the game and the difficulty of matching up with Auburn in a post-game interview.
“I don’t think the final score was indicative of how close the game was,” UGA coach Mike White said via YouTube. “Credit our guys. Obviously, Auburn is really, really good. They’re perhaps the best team in the country. It was a two possession game there for a lot of time there down the stretch. Couldn’t quite get the big one or two we needed to hit to make it a little bit closer.”
“They’ve got four elite shooters, not good shooters, four guys that can really fill it up that are capable of making multiple threes,” White said. “So when the floor is a little bit extended for him (Broome), because of the attention to detail with those shooters, he’s able to put his head down and draw fouls and drive it and back you down.”
Although Auburn would never trail in this game, they could never fully pull away from the Dawgs until late in the contest.
Top Performers
Georgia freshman sensation Asa Newell led the Bulldogs with a big time effort, scoring 20 points, grabbing five rebounds, two blocks and and adding two assists.
Auburn was led by All-American Johni Broome, who had 31 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots.
This and That
Georgia is now 0-21 all-time against AP No. 1-ranked teams.
Auburn has now won five consecutive games against Georgia.
Auburn outscored the Bulldogs 53-46 in the second half.
Field Goal Percentage: Auburn: 27-63 (42.9%) to Georgia: 22-57 (38.6%)
Rebounds: Auburn: 40 to Georgia: 35
Turnovers: Auburn: 8 to Georgia: 13
Points of Turnovers: Auburn: 11 to Georgia: 9
Points in Paint: Auburn: 38 to Georgia: 26
Bench Points: Auburn: 8 to Georgia: 15
Biggest lead of the night: 12 (Auburn)
Parting Shot
Georgia’s NCAA tournament aspirations appear to be dashed, for now. However, as far-fetched as it may sound, winning out the rest of their schedule, which includes a date with No. 3 Florida Gators coming up, could potentially help revive the possibility of that ambition.
What's Next for Georgia?
Georgia returns home to host No. 3 Florida on Tuesday.