The Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball team dropped a close one Tuesday night in Columbia to the Missouri Tigers by a score of 72-69.
The Dawgs have now lost four straight games, all of them being to SEC opponents.
Georgia led by as many as 20 points in the second half, thanks to freshman guard Anthony Edwards scoring 23 points, leading all players on the night. Senior guard Tyree Crump put up 13 for the Dawgs as well as freshman forward Toumani Camara tacking on another 12.
The Bulldogs came out hot offensively but skidded to a halt later in the second half, sparking an offensive run from the Tigers. Missouri’s senior forward Reed Nikko capitalized on the Dawgs cold second half shooting, finishing with a career 13 points, 11 of them coming in the second half surge.
“Momentum is always up for grabs,” Tom Crean said in a postgame interview. “And in the second half, Reed Nikko took momentum from us. Reed Nikko changed the energy of the game for them.”
Nikko also had a game saving play, blocking Edwards while up two with only nine seconds left in regulation.
Three Missouri players scored in double digits with junior guard Dru Smith leading the Tigers with 16.
Missouri freshman forward Kobe Brown was emotional for this game. Brown was named by his father after the late Kobe Bryant and wears number 24 after Bryant. Following the tragic news of the NBA legend and his daughters passing, Brown talked about Kobe Bryant postgame.
“I was bummed,” said Brown. “It took a toll. I send my regards to all the families that were involved in the crash.”
What looked like a promising, potential NCAA Tournament season is now on the line with very slim chances of the Dawgs being alive in March. According to TR Brackets, Georgia now has a 2.2% chance of making the tournament. Losing the past 4 SEC games moves the Bulldogs to 11-9 on the season with a 1-6 record in conference play.
With a 2.2% chance being very unlikely, things aren’t looking good for the Dawg faithful … but you’re saying there’s a chance.
Georgia continues their late season SEC play this Saturday vs Texas A&M at home. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. EST on SEC Network.