Oklahoma Bounces Georgia from SEC Tourney, Bulldogs Await First NCAA Bid in 10 Years
The stage was set, the stakes were high, and the atmosphere in the SEC Tournament was electric. The Georgia Bulldogs were looking to make a statement—hoping to not only make a deep run in the conference tournament but also to secure their place in the NCAA Tournament. However, their dreams of securing an SEC Tournament championship were dashed in an unexpected turn of events. Oklahoma, a team with a storied history of its own, proved to be a formidable opponent, as they bounced the Bulldogs from the tournament in an intense game that left fans in disbelief. Now, Georgia is left waiting for what could be its first NCAA Tournament appearance in a decade.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key moments from Georgia’s loss to Oklahoma, the Bulldogs’ season as a whole, the long-awaited potential return to the NCAA Tournament, and the future of Georgia basketball under head coach Tom Crean. Let’s break down how the Bulldogs’ dreams of postseason glory were halted and what lies ahead for this promising team.
Georgia’s SEC Tournament Exit
The SEC Tournament is always a major event in college basketball, especially for teams like Georgia who find themselves on the bubble of NCAA Tournament selection. For the Bulldogs, this tournament held added significance—this was the year they were supposed to break through and return to the national stage. With Tom Crean at the helm, the Bulldogs have slowly built up a competitive squad, and fans had reason to believe that Georgia’s time had finally arrived. But a major setback awaited them in their tournament run.
The game against Oklahoma started with all the energy and passion that one would expect from two teams fighting for their postseason lives. Georgia had come into the SEC Tournament with a strong finish to the regular season, showing resilience and grit in tight games. But in this contest, they were facing a challenge that they weren’t fully prepared for. Oklahoma, despite being an underdog, came out firing on all cylinders, delivering shots from all over the court, and playing relentless defense. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, struggled to maintain consistent offense, allowing the Sooners to gain control of the game.
Oklahoma’s defense proved to be the difference. The Sooners were suffocating in their ability to disrupt Georgia’s offensive flow, forcing numerous turnovers and not allowing the Bulldogs to get into any rhythm. Despite some flashes of brilliance from Georgia’s standout players, including Kario Oquendo and Terry Roberts, the team couldn’t overcome the defensive pressure. As the game went on, the Bulldogs seemed to lose their composure, while Oklahoma only grew stronger.
By the end of the contest, it was clear that the Bulldogs’ dreams of a deep SEC Tournament run were over. Oklahoma’s shooting and defense overwhelmed Georgia, and the Sooners emerged victorious, sending the Bulldogs home earlier than they had hoped. The loss to Oklahoma was a bitter pill to swallow, but it didn’t completely end Georgia’s postseason hopes. The team’s attention quickly shifted to one thing: the NCAA Tournament.
The NCAA Tournament Drought: A Decade in Waiting
Despite the disappointment in the SEC Tournament, the Bulldogs’ overall body of work during the regular season had positioned them as one of the bubble teams for the NCAA Tournament. A decade-long drought has kept Georgia from returning to the tournament, but for the first time in many years, it seemed that the Bulldogs were in a position to change that.
The last time Georgia was in the NCAA Tournament was in 2015, when they made a brief appearance under then-head coach Mark Fox. Since that season, the Bulldogs have struggled to regain their footing in the competitive world of college basketball. Various coaching changes, roster turnover, and inconsistent play led to a prolonged absence from March Madness. But now, in 2025, the Bulldogs were on the verge of a return to prominence.
Under Tom Crean, who took over the program in 2018, Georgia has made significant strides, although the journey has been far from easy. Crean, known for his success at previous programs like Indiana and Marquette, inherited a team that had been mired in mediocrity for years. His rebuilding project has focused on bringing in talented recruits, fostering team chemistry, and instilling a more modern, up-tempo style of play. Although the Bulldogs have yet to reach the level of consistent national prominence, they have shown flashes of brilliance under Crean.
The 2025 season was a breakthrough campaign for Georgia, especially in conference play. With an improved roster that included standout players like Kario Oquendo, Terry Roberts, and Jalen Ingram, the Bulldogs were competitive in the tough SEC. They finished the regular season with a strong record and had some big wins over notable opponents. While they didn’t win the SEC regular-season title, their play throughout the year had positioned them for a potential NCAA Tournament berth, with a selection committee that would likely reward them for their improvement.
However, the loss to Oklahoma brought everything into focus. With Georgia’s standing on the NCAA Tournament bubble, their chances of earning an at-large bid hinged on how they performed in the SEC Tournament. The loss to Oklahoma immediately raised doubts about Georgia’s ability to secure a spot in the big dance. Still, it was not the end of the road—Georgia would have to wait and see if the committee would consider them worthy of an NCAA Tournament bid.
Georgia’s NCAA Tournament Hopes
As the days passed after the SEC Tournament loss, all eyes turned toward the NCAA Tournament selection show. The Bulldogs were on the bubble—some analysts felt that Georgia had done enough during the season to earn an at-large bid, while others were less optimistic. The main factors in Georgia’s favor were their overall record, their strong play against ranked opponents, and their competitive edge in one of the nation’s toughest conferences. However, their inability to make a deep run in the SEC Tournament left some questioning whether they had done enough to impress the selection committee.
Kario Oquendo, who had been the team’s star player throughout the season, was at the forefront of Georgia’s NCAA Tournament hopes. His scoring ability, combined with his leadership on the floor, made him one of the most valuable players in the conference. Alongside him, Terry Roberts had been an integral part of Georgia’s offense and defense, serving as a solid second option. These two players, along with other key contributors like Jalen Ingram and Braelen Bridges, gave Georgia a well-rounded team that could be dangerous if they were given a shot at the tournament.
Despite the disappointment of being bounced from the SEC Tournament early, Georgia’s resume still had enough merit to justify a place in the tournament. Their victory over high-quality teams in the regular season, combined with their competitive play against top-tier SEC squads, gave the selection committee a compelling reason to give them a chance. However, there were also some concerns—most notably, their inability to win consistently against the very best teams in the conference, which may have ultimately hurt their case.
Tom Crean’s Leadership and the Bulldogs’ Future
Regardless of whether Georgia makes the NCAA Tournament or not, the team’s performance in 2025 was a sign of significant progress. Head coach Tom Crean deserves credit for his efforts in rebuilding the program, and the future looks bright for Georgia basketball. The Bulldogs may have to wait another year before breaking their NCAA Tournament drought, but Crean’s ability to recruit talented players and instill a competitive culture has positioned the team for success in the future.
Under Crean’s leadership, Georgia has become a team that can compete with the best in the SEC, and they are moving in the right direction. The key moving forward will be for Crean to continue building the program’s foundation, developing his young players, and ensuring that the Bulldogs don’t slip back into mediocrity. With continued support and growth, Georgia can make its long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament—and possibly even make a deep run when they get there.
What’s Next for the Bulldogs?
For now, the Bulldogs will have to wait for their NCAA Tournament fate to be determined. If they are selected, Georgia will face another challenge: proving that they belong on the big stage. The program has already come a long way, and while the SEC Tournament loss to Oklahoma stung, it wasn’t the end of the road. The Bulldogs have the talent and determination to succeed on the national stage, and if they are granted a spot in the tournament, they will be eager to show that they are ready for the big time.
If Georgia doesn’t make the cut this season, they will use this experience to fuel their motivation for the future. The team has shown the necessary ingredients for success—a solid core of players, a proven coach, and an undeniable desire to return to the top of college basketball.
The next few days will be filled with anticipation as the Bulldogs wait to see whether they will be part of the NCAA Tournament field. But regardless of the outcome, this season marks a turning point for Georgia basketball—a season in which the Bulldogs proved they are a force to be reckoned with and one that laid the groundwork for a bright future in college basketball.