Final Score of Georgia vs. Oklahoma: Georgia’s Win Run Ends

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Final Score of Georgia vs. Oklahoma: Georgia’s Win Run Ends

The Georgia Bulldogs’ impressive winning streak came to an end with an 81-75 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners in the first round of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournament on March 12, 2025. This defeat not only halted Georgia’s momentum but also raised questions about their prospects in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

Game Overview

The matchup between the 11th-seeded Georgia Bulldogs and the 14th-seeded Oklahoma Sooners was anticipated to be a closely contested affair, and it did not disappoint. The game featured multiple lead changes, with neither team able to establish a dominant advantage in the first half. Oklahoma’s freshman guard, Jeremiah Fears, was instrumental in the Sooners’ offense, showcasing his scoring prowess throughout the game.

First Half Highlights

Oklahoma started the game with a strong emphasis on perimeter shooting, connecting on 10 three-pointers in the first half. Fears and forward Jalon Moore were particularly effective from beyond the arc, each contributing three triples. Despite committing nine turnovers in the first half, the Sooners managed to keep the game tight, thanks in part to their hot shooting. Georgia capitalized on Oklahoma’s miscues and dominated the offensive glass, securing 10 offensive rebounds before halftime. This hustle on the boards allowed the Bulldogs to stay competitive, and the teams entered the locker room with a narrow margin separating them.

Second Half and Decisive Run

The second half continued in a similar vein, with both teams exchanging leads. Georgia appeared to seize control midway through the half, building a six-point lead with just over eight minutes remaining, highlighted by a three-pointer from Blue Cain. However, the Bulldogs’ offense then went cold, enduring a nearly six-minute scoring drought. Oklahoma capitalized on this lapse, orchestrating a decisive 16-0 run, with Fears contributing the first eight points of this surge. This run shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Sooners, and they maintained their lead until the final buzzer.

Key Performances

  • Oklahoma Sooners:

    • Jeremiah Fears: The freshman guard delivered a standout performance, tying his season high with 29 points, including four three-pointers. His leadership during the critical second-half run was pivotal for the Sooners.
    • Jalon Moore: Moore added 14 points, hitting a career-high four three-pointers, providing a significant boost to Oklahoma’s perimeter attack.
    • Mohamed Wague: Wague narrowly missed a double-double, contributing 12 points and nine rebounds, anchoring the team’s interior presence.

  • Georgia Bulldogs:

    • Silas Demary Jr.: Demary Jr. led the Bulldogs with 24 points, showcasing his ability to penetrate the defense and finish at the rim.
    • Asa Newell: The freshman forward recorded a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing a season-high 17 rebounds, demonstrating his potential as a future star for Georgia.

Implications and Looking Ahead

For Oklahoma, this victory not only advanced them to the second round of the SEC tournament but also bolstered their case for an NCAA Tournament berth, aiming for their first appearance since 2021. The Sooners are set to face the sixth-seeded Kentucky Wildcats in the next round, a team they narrowly lost to earlier in the season.

Reuters

Georgia, on the other hand, must now await Selection Sunday to learn their NCAA Tournament fate. With a 20-12 record, the Bulldogs are hopeful for their first NCAA appearance since 2015, but the early exit from the SEC tournament may impact their seeding.

Reuters

This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of March basketball, where momentum can shift rapidly, and underdogs have the potential to upend expectations.

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