Oklahoma Dominates Georgia 86-55: A Detailed Analysis of the Lady Bulldogs’ Tough Loss
In a highly anticipated matchup on January 26, 2025, the Georgia Lady Bulldogs faced off against the No. 15-ranked Oklahoma Sooners at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Oklahoma. What was expected to be a competitive contest turned into a decisive blowout, as the Sooners triumphed 86-55. Despite a strong effort from Georgia, Oklahoma’s offensive power and defensive control were simply too much to overcome.
The Opening Quarter: A Rocky Start for Georgia
The game began with high hopes for Georgia, but the Sooners came out of the gates firing on all cylinders. Oklahoma opened up an early 12-2 run, forcing the Lady Bulldogs to call a quick timeout to regain their composure. By the end of the first quarter, the Sooners had built a commanding 26-12 lead, with a dynamic offensive performance that put Georgia on the back foot.
Georgia, despite their best efforts, struggled with both their shooting and decision-making in the early stages. The Lady Bulldogs shot only 30% from the field in the first quarter, while Oklahoma was shooting 55%. The Sooners capitalized on Georgia’s turnovers and poor shot selection, racking up easy points in transition.
Oklahoma’s offensive firepower was on full display as players like guard Taylor Robertson and forward Ana Llanusa quickly got involved in the scoring. Robertson, known for her three-point shooting, helped stretch the Georgia defense and provide lanes for Oklahoma’s inside players. As a result, Georgia was forced to play catch-up right from the beginning.
The Second Quarter: Oklahoma’s Relentless Attack
By the second quarter, it was clear that Oklahoma had control of the game. Georgia came out with renewed intensity, but the Sooners’ offensive efficiency was overwhelming. Oklahoma quickly extended their lead to 20 points early in the second period. Despite some positive flashes from Georgia, including a few successful possessions from Mia Woolfolk, the Lady Bulldogs could not gain any traction.
Oklahoma outscored Georgia 28-18 in the second quarter, bringing their lead to 54-30 by halftime. The Sooners dominated both sides of the ball. They shot a blistering 58% from the field, while Georgia remained stuck at 36%.
In this quarter, the Sooners also showed their depth, with contributions from a variety of players. Raegan Beers, the Oklahoma forward, made her presence felt on both ends of the floor, contributing to the scoring while also being a strong force on the boards. Her double-digit points and 5 rebounds in the first half were part of what seemed like an insurmountable lead for the Sooners.
The Third Quarter: Georgia’s Attempted Rally Falls Short
Coming out of halftime, Georgia showed some signs of life. The Lady Bulldogs were determined to make a push and claw back into the game. They started the third quarter with more intensity, and there were moments when it looked like they might be able to trim the deficit. Woolfolk, who had been Georgia’s top scorer, continued to lead the charge, hitting a couple of contested mid-range jumpers and driving to the basket to draw fouls.
However, the Sooners’ response was swift. Despite Georgia’s effort, Oklahoma’s offense simply wouldn’t let up. As much as the Lady Bulldogs tried to mount a rally, they were unable to stop the Sooners from pushing the lead further out of reach. Oklahoma continued to hit key shots, particularly from beyond the arc. Taylor Robertson connected on her second and third three-pointers of the game, while the inside presence of Beers kept Georgia’s defense scrambling.
By the end of the third quarter, Georgia found themselves down 72-44, facing an 18-point deficit that felt insurmountable. Despite scoring 14 points in the third, the Lady Bulldogs were undone by a lack of defensive consistency and the continued high efficiency of Oklahoma’s offense.
The Final Quarter: Oklahoma Clinches the Victory
Entering the fourth quarter, Georgia was running out of time to mount any kind of realistic comeback. The Lady Bulldogs had shown heart and hustle throughout the game, but Oklahoma’s depth and skill had proven to be too much. The Sooners added another 14 points in the final frame, keeping their foot on the gas pedal. Georgia, for their part, managed just 11 points in the fourth quarter.
Oklahoma’s defense remained relentless, and Georgia’s shooting woes continued. The Lady Bulldogs shot just 28% in the fourth, while Oklahoma continued their steady scoring pace. Georgia’s struggles to hit open shots and their inability to match Oklahoma’s tempo were the final nails in the coffin for the game.
By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Oklahoma Sooners had secured a dominant 86-55 victory. The 31-point margin was indicative of the disparity in performance between the two teams on the night.
Key Player Performances
For Oklahoma, the star of the game was undoubtedly Raegan Beers. The 6-foot-3 forward finished with an impressive double-double: 13 points, 11 rebounds, and several key assists. Beers was a dominant presence on both ends of the floor, securing multiple offensive rebounds and providing a reliable scoring option in the paint. Her ability to both score and create second-chance opportunities helped Oklahoma maintain a high-scoring pace throughout the game.
Guard Taylor Robertson was another standout for the Sooners. Robertson, one of the most dangerous three-point shooters in the country, contributed 16 points, including 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Her ability to stretch the floor and create driving lanes for her teammates was crucial in breaking down Georgia’s defense. The Lady Bulldogs were unable to contain Robertson’s shooting, and she proved to be a difference-maker.
On the Georgia side, Mia Woolfolk led her team in scoring with 19 points. The senior guard played with determination, knocking down a variety of shots, including contested jumpers. However, she didn’t get much help from her teammates, and her individual efforts were not enough to overcome Oklahoma’s offensive juggernaut.
The Lady Bulldogs’ struggles were compounded by their shooting inefficiency. Georgia shot just 30.6% from the field and a dismal 11.8% from three-point range. Their inability to find consistent scoring options outside of Woolfolk left them in a difficult position against a team like Oklahoma, which has a well-rounded offensive game plan.
Statistical Breakdown
- Field Goals: Georgia – 19-62 (30.6%), Oklahoma – 31-67 (46.0%)
- Three-Point Field Goals: Georgia – 2-17 (11.8%), Oklahoma – 8-23 (34.8%)
- Free Throws: Georgia – 15-21 (71.4%), Oklahoma – 16-21 (76.2%)
- Total Rebounds: Georgia – 36, Oklahoma – 50
- Turnovers: Georgia – 19, Oklahoma – 17
Oklahoma’s shooting efficiency (46% from the field and 34.8% from beyond the arc) was a key factor in their victory. They also dominated on the boards, out-rebounding Georgia by 14. The Lady Bulldogs’ inability to secure defensive rebounds was costly, allowing Oklahoma to rack up second-chance opportunities.
Post-Game Thoughts and What’s Next for Both Teams
For Georgia, this game served as a harsh reminder of the gap between them and the elite teams in women’s college basketball. The Lady Bulldogs had moments of promise, but they lacked the consistency and depth to contend with Oklahoma for the full 40 minutes. Moving forward, Georgia will need to address their shooting struggles and improve their defensive discipline. Against teams with the scoring firepower of Oklahoma, Georgia will need to find ways to limit open shots and contest three-pointers more effectively.
For Oklahoma, this win further solidified their place among the nation’s top teams. Their offensive balance, defensive tenacity, and depth make them a tough matchup for any team. The Sooners will look to continue this dominant form as they head into the second half of their season, aiming for a high seed in the NCAA tournament.
As for Georgia, this loss is a setback, but it offers valuable lessons. They will face other ranked teams in the coming weeks, and the key will be how they adjust to this defeat. Improvement in their shooting, especially from beyond the arc, and a greater sense of urgency on defense will be necessary if they are to compete at a higher level.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma Sooners’ 86-55 victory over the Georgia Lady Bulldogs on January 26, 2025, was a statement win. Oklahoma’s all-around performance was too much for Georgia to handle, with key contributions from players like Raegan Beers and Taylor Robertson. Despite strong individual efforts from Mia Woolfolk, Georgia struggled to find their rhythm, and the Sooners capitalized on their every mistake. As the season progresses, both teams will look to use this game as a learning experience, with Oklahoma aiming for a national title and Georgia looking to rebound in their upcoming matchups.