Georgia basketball loses to No. 6 Tennessee

Georgia basketball loses a tough road matchup vs. Tennessee.

The No. 23 Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball team (14-3, 2-2 in SEC) faced a tough stretch in the beginning of January in SEC play, with five ranked teams in a row on their schedule. Unfortunately, they couldn’t pull through against the No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers (16-1, 3-1 in SEC), losing 74-56.

Georgia had a 26-25 lead by halftime, but the Volunteers went on a 26-4 run midway through the second half to take a commanding 51-30 lead, which they would never relinquish.

The big takeaway from how Tennessee achieved victory was better passing. Georgia committed 19 turnovers to the Volunteer’s 10. The Vols used those nine extra turnovers to gain six more transition points from Georgia.

Silas Demary Jr. and Asa Newell both played well, with double digit points, but Blue Cain played poorly, scoring five points on two of nine shooting and missing all of his four attempts from behind the arc.

Despite the loss, Georgia should hold their heads high. In this tough five-game stretch, they’ve gone 2-2 with wins against No. 8 Kentucky and previously ranked No. 17 Oklahoma. The Bulldogs still have to play the No. 1 Auburn Tigers on Saturday, Jan. 18, but there is growing optimism around this Georgia team.

Georgia basketball faces toughest week of season

Georgia basketball faces their most challenging week with games against a pair of top-six opponents

The newly ranked No. 23 Georgia Bulldogs have found their groove early in SEC play with wins over No. 8 Kentucky Wildcats and Oklahoma. Both teams came into Stegeman Coliseum and the Bulldogs pulled away with the 10,000 plus fans behind them.

Georgia has a record of 14-2 overall including a 2-1 record in SEC play. This week it will be a big test for UGA with the Dawgs traveling to Knoxville to face the No. 6 ranked Tennessee Volunteers and playing No. 1 Auburn Tigers in Athens.

Tennessee poses a challenge with their backcourt with their experienced backcourt. Tennessee senior transfer guard Chaz Lanier averages 19 points and shoots over 40 % from three. Vols senior guard Zakai Zeigler who averages 11 points, 7 assists, and almost two steals a game. Both guards are very dynamic and will cause the backcourt for Georgia to raise their level of play.

Auburn just lost National Player of the Year favorite Johni Broome to an ankle injury indefinitely on Saturday in their close 66-63 win against South Carolina. The Tigers will now lean on their backcourt with Chad Baker-Mazara,  Denver Jones, Miles Kelly, Tahaad Pettiford all four average over 10 points a game and three of them shoot over 40 percent from three-point territory. 

This week gives Georgia a chance to show everyone how good the Bulldogs are.

The Bulldogs play at No. 6 Tennessee on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network. Georgia then hosts No. 1 Auburn on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

Georgia basketball ranked for first time since 2011

Georgia basketball is finally in the Coaches Poll ahead of a big week against two top-10 opponents

The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team (14-2, 2-1) is finally ranked. The No. 23 ranked Bulldogs earned a pair of ranked wins over the past week. UGA beat Oklahoma, who is no longer ranked, and Kentucky, who is now ranked No. 9.

UGA has a pair of good nonconference wins over St. John’s (one spot away from being ranked) and Georgia Tech. The Bulldogs’ two losses of the season came to No. 7 Marquette and No. 21 Ole Miss. Georgia is one of nine SEC teams ranked in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Georgia has a big week game coming up. The Bulldogs plays at No. 6 Tennessee on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 8:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network. Tennessee has an 84.9% chance to win according to ESPN.

Georgia then hosts No. 1 Auburn on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 1:00 p.m. ET on SEC Network. The Bulldogs could end the week ranked in the top 10 if they pull off both upsets, but if Georgia loses both games, then their NCAA Tournament hopes would take a hit with the Dawgs having to play a pair of road games the following week.

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Georgia freshman star Asa Newell, a projected NBA first-round draft pick, leads UGA in scoring at 15.4 points per game. Georgia is rated as the No. 26 team in the country per the NCAA’s NET rankings. UGA is also ranked No. 23 in the AP Poll.

USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll on Jan. 13

Rank School Record Points
1 Auburn 15-1 768 (25)
2 Iowa State 14-1 739 (5)
3 Duke 14-2 705
4 Florida 15-1 649
5 Alabama 12-1 648
6 Tennessee 15-1 626
7 Marquette 14-2 587
8 Houston 12-3 522
9 Kentucky 13-3 514
10 Kansas 12-3 460
11 Texas A&M 13-3 425
12 Michigan State 14-2 424
13 UConn 13-4 345
14 Oregon 15-2 343
15 Purdue 13-4 294
16 Gonzaga 14-4 285
17 Memphis 13-3 272
18 Mississippi State 14-2 267
19 Michigan 13-3 231
20 Illinois 12-4 223
21 Ole Miss 14-2 195
22 Utah State 16-1 143
23 Georgia 14-2 80
24 Baylor 11-4 72
25 West Virginia 12-3 69

Schools Dropped Out

No. 16 Oklahoma; No. 21 UCLA;

Others Receiving Votes

St. John’s 52; Wisconsin 29; Arizona 29; New Mexico 19; Oklahoma 14; UCLA 12; Maryland 8; Texas Tech 6; Clemson 5; Saint Mary’s 4; Louisville 3; Indiana 3; San Diego State 2; Missouri 2; UC Irvine 1;

It’s time to rank Georgia basketball

The UGA basketball team deserves to be ranked after earning a second straight ranked win

The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team needs to be ranked. Georgia is 14-2 and secured a pair of top-20 wins during the week.

On Saturday, Georgia defeated the No. 17 Oklahoma Sooners, 72-62, in the Bulldogs’ latest ranked win. Georgia beat No. 6 Kentucky in the week.

UGA basketball has not had back-to-back wins against ranked opponents since 2006-2007. Georgia is looking like an NCAA Tournament team so far. Through games of Jan. 10, Georgia had the 28 NET ranking. That figures to go up after it beat Oklahoma (13-3). The Sooners are 0-3 in SEC play after starting the year 13-0.

“Our detail was good. Our mental toughness was very good,” said Georgia basketball coach Mike White after the win. “We were locked in the other day (against Kentucky). So again, it was the response for a young team after beating number six. It was pretty good; it needs to be great. Coming into this week, it’s got to be great.”

Georgia’s next game is on Wednesday (Jan. 15) against No. 1 Tennessee. The SEC is in the middle of a very strong year and it will not get any easier for Georgia.

“If that were to happen (being ranked), I’d be happy for our fans. I don’t really care. I want to reach our potential and reach our ceiling and continue to get better and prepare well for this next one. If it happens or it doesn’t happen, we’re still going to talk about how we handle today’s success,” said White.

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Entering the Oklahoma game, Georgia was a No. 9 seed in ESPN’s latest bracketology, so UGA is no lock for the NCAA Tournament. The Dawgs need to win half their games in SEC play to feel confident about making March Madness.

Social media reacts after Georgia stuns No. 6 Kentucky

Social media went wild after Georgia basketball upset No. 6 Kentucky to move to 13-2

On Tuesday, Georgia Bulldogs basketball stunned the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats 82-69 at home. It is their first major ranked win of the season and the first top-10 one since 2020.

It was another tough shooting night for the Bulldogs, who hit only 7 of 24 three-pointers, including just 2 of 12 in the second half. Georgia shot slightly under 42 percent as a team, but capitalized on free throws, converting over 76 percent of their 38 attempts. In contrast, Kentucky went to the line only 19 times.

With a quality win like this, the NCAA Tournament is in sight for the Bulldogs, who have not made March Madness since 2015. Entering the Kentucky game, Georgia was a No. 9 seed in ESPN’s latest Bracketology predictions.

The road ahead remains challenging for the Bulldogs (13-2) as they prepare to host No. 17 Oklahoma at Stegeman Coliseum on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2.

Here’s how social media and Georgia basketball fans reacted after UGA’s upset win

“Georgia now owns wins over Kentucky and St.John’s. That’s the mark of a team that can not just make the NCAA Tournament, but one that can advance in the NCAA Tournament. Thought Mike White had a bubble team, but Bulldogs are better than anticipated,” College basketball analyst Jon Rothstein via social media.

“Thank you to the best student section in the nation!!! In appreciation for not storming the court tonight we are allocating $25K to student promotions!” said Georgia AD Josh Brooks.

“That’s the biggest win of my lifetime. GEORGIA BASKETBALL HAS ARRIVED,” UGA Spike Squad via social media.

“These refs in this UK vs Georgia basketball are just questionable,” a Kentucky fan complained on social media.

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UGA basketball begins stretch vs. 7 straight ranked SEC foes

Georgia basketball plays against seven ranked opponents to open up conference play including the No. 1 and No. 2 team in the nation

The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team (12-1) is off to one of the best starts in program history (Georgia also started 12-1 in 1930-1931). Georgia’s most recent win featured a 17-point comeback win against South Carolina State, who gave the Bulldogs a significant challenge.

“They had us on our heels offensively, and they hit a couple contested threes with just a little bit of miscommunication, and their confidence grew and they finished the latter part of the first half in a big, big way,” Georgia basketball coach Mike White said. “Our culture came through, it did.”

Now, Georgia will begin a season-defining stretch of games. The Bulldogs, who received 36 votes in the Coaches Poll, play seven straight ranked opponents to begin SEC play.

The SEC has looked like the best basketball conference in the country. The SEC has nine teams ranked in the top 25 including four of the top six teams.

Who are the seven ranked teams Georgia faces to begin conference play?

Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell is one of the top freshman in the country. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
  • No. 24 Ole Miss (away) on Jan. 4 at noon ET (all times ET)
  • No. 10 Kentucky (home) on Jan. 7 at 7:00 p.m.
  • No. 12 Oklahoma (home) on Jan. 11 at 6:00 p.m.
  • No. 1 Tennessee (away) on Jan. 15 at 8:00 p.m.
  • No. 2 Auburn (home) on Jan. 18 at 1:00 p.m.
  • No. 23 Arkansas (away) on Jan. 22 at 9:00 p.m.
  • No. 6 Florida (away) on Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m.

Georgia receives votes in Coaches Poll

Georgia basketball is receiving votes in the Coaches Poll ahead of a big home game against Notre Dame

The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team is off to a 7-1 start to the 2024-2025 college basketball season. UGA has a pair of solid nonconference wins over St. John’s and Georgia Tech.

The Bulldogs’ lone loss of the season came to No. 4 Marquette. Georgia received three votes in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Georgia has a big home game coming up on Dec. 3 at 7:00 p.m. ET against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Georgia-Notre Dame game will be televised on ESPNU. Georgia, who is 5-0 at home, has a 78.6% chance to beat Notre Dame according to ESPN.

Georgia freshman standout Asa Newell, a projected NBA first-round draft pick, leads Georgia in scoring at 15.4 points per game. Notre Dame is Georgia’s final nonconference opponent from a major conference.

Georgia is rated as the No. 27 team in the country per the NCAA’s NET rankings.

USA TODAY Sports Men’s Basketball Coaches Poll for Dec. 2

Rank Team Record Points
1 Kansas 7-0 760 (19)
2 Auburn 7-0 755 (12)
3 Tennessee 7-0 694
4 Marquette 8-0 646
5 Iowa State 5-1 629
6 Kentucky 7-0 628
7 Purdue 7-1 535
8 Gonzaga 7-1 517
9 Duke 5-2 472
10 Oregon 8-0 457
11 Wisconsin 8-0 450
12 Alabama 6-2 441
13 Florida 8-0 427
14 Cincinnati 6-0 376
15 Memphis 6-1 265
16 Baylor 5-2 262
17 Illinois 6-1 234
18 Houston 4-3 221
19 Pittsburgh 7-1 213
20 Ole Miss 6-1 139
21 Oklahoma 7-0 111
22 North Carolina 4-3 96
23 Michigan 6-1 90
24 Texas A&M 6-2 86
25 Michigan State 6-2 73

Schools Dropped Out

No. 2 UConn; No. 15 Indiana; No. 19 Creighton; No. 21 Arkansas; No. 22 Xavier; No. 23 Arizona;

Others Receiving Votes

UConn 63; San Diego State 56; Texas 54; Mississippi State 39; Arizona State 39; Drake 34; Texas Tech 32; Arkansas 28; UCLA 17; Xavier 16; BYU 16; Ohio State 15; Utah State 13; Saint Mary’s 12; Dayton 10; St. John’s 8; Nebraska 8; Indiana 8; Creighton 8; West Virginia 5; Maryland 5; Clemson 5; Georgia 3; Arizona 2; UC Irvine 1; Nevada 1;

Georgia basketball upsets No. 20 St. John’s

Georgia Bulldogs basketball team stuns No. 22 St. John’s in an upset victory

This weekend was critical for the Georgia Bulldogs and head coach Mike White for earning a big nonconference win. Georgia lost 80-69 to No. 15 Marquette on Saturday, but picked up a ranked win on Sunday over the No. 20 St. John’s Red Storm.

Bulldogs basketball team faced two ranked teams in the Bahamas and went 1-1. The Bulldogs kept the game close for a long time and were able to upset the Red Storm, winning 66-63.

The game was very physical with four first half technical fouls. The UGA team defense was excellent only allowing a 30 percent field goal percentage in the first half and not allowing the Red Storm to connecting on a three-pointer.  The UGA offense was very efficient shooting over 50 percent from the field and close to 40 percent from three to sustain a 32-28 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Bulldogs had more adversity against the Red Storm’s  full court pressure, which caused the Bulldogs to turn the ball over 14 more times. To go along with the turnovers key rotation pieces Blue Cain, RJ Godfrey, and Asa Newell all fouled out for Georgia in the second half.

This game highlighted Asa Newell’s significance moving forward, as he led the team with 18 points. Silas Demary Jr. followed with 15 points, while Tyrin Lawrence contributed 11 and nine rebounds to round out the scoring effort.
With a win like this expect the Bulldogs to be in more talks about the NCAA Tournament. Georgia got a premier nonconference win.

Georgia Bulldogs basketball loses to No. 15 Marquette

Georgia falls to No. 15 Marquette in their first loss of the season.

The Georgia Bulldogs basketball team has a huge weekend, facing two ranked teams in the Bahamas. Their first matchup was against the No. 15 Marquette Golden Eagles.

While the Bulldogs kept the game close for a long time, they weren’t able to upset the Golden Eagles, losing 80-69. The game was 36-35 Marquette at halftime and 44-40 near the beginning of the second half, but the Golden Eagles went on an 11-0 run. Georgia kept being pesky, though, scoring to make it 69-66 Marquette, but the Golden Eagles went on a 9-0 run to ice it.

The Bulldogs were able to hang on thanks to a brilliant game from their guards. Blue Cain had 17 points and made five of his ten attempts from behind the arc, matching a career high. Tyrin Lawrence also scored 15 points and had three steals.

The perimeter shooting outside of Cain doomed Georgia. While Cain went 5-10 on his three-point attempts, the other Georgia Bulldogs players only shot 3-15 from downtown. They also lost the turnover battle, committing 18 turnovers, including eight from Silas Demary Jr.

Georgia fell to 5-1 and will have another game in the Bahamas against No. 20 St. John’s.

Georgia freshman projected as first-round 2025 NBA draft pick

UGA basketball true freshman, former five-star recruit is projected to go early in the 2025 NBA draft

Georgia Bulldogs basketball freshman Asa Newell has been projected to be selected in the first-round of the 2025 NBA draft. Newell, a former five-star recruit, is already having a huge impact for this Georgia team.

The 6-foot-11, 220-pound freshman is a big reason why Georgia basketball is 2-0. Newell is averaging 20 points, 3.5 blocks and 7.5 rebounds per game to begin the 2024-2025 college basketball season.

Tankathon projects that Newell will be a late lottery pick in the 2025 draft. In fact, Tankathon has Newell landing with the Atlanta Hawks at pick No. 14 in their latest mock draft. Yes, it is very early in the process, but so far, so good for Newell.

Additionally, ESPN has Newell going a little bit later in the 2025 draft. ESPN projects (subscription required) that Newell will go No. 20 to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which would be an excellent fit for the Georgia forward.

“His mobility, fluidity, explosiveness, body control and touch around the rim allowed him to dominate the interior while also making quite a few plays defensively,” said Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
“Newell also has the green light to shoot 3-pointers, which is very interesting at 6-foot-11,” continued Givony. NBA teams are always looking for shooting.
Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell had an impressive performance against the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Georgia basketball fans can watch the Bulldogs on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ as Georgia takes on 3-0 North Florida.