The Georgia Bulldogs women’s basketball team delivered a thrilling performance in the opening round of the SEC Women’s Tournament, securing a hard-fought 79-74 victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks on Wednesday night in Greenville, South Carolina. The win keeps Georgia’s postseason hopes alive as they advance to face No. 5 seed Oklahoma in the second round.
A Competitive First Half
From the opening tip, it was clear that this matchup would be a battle. Both teams traded early baskets, with Arkansas pushing the pace offensively and Georgia responding with strong inside play. Razorbacks guard Samara Spencer got off to a hot start, scoring eight quick points to give Arkansas an early lead.
However, Georgia’s backcourt duo of Asia Avinger and De’Mauri Flournoy kept the Bulldogs within striking distance. Avinger attacked the basket relentlessly, drawing fouls and converting free throws, while Flournoy found her rhythm from beyond the arc. Despite their efforts, Arkansas held a slim 38-34 lead at halftime.
Georgia’s Second-Half Surge
The Bulldogs came out of the break with a renewed defensive focus, forcing Arkansas into tough shots and costly turnovers. Georgia ramped up their intensity, particularly in the third quarter, when they went on a crucial 12-3 run to take control of the game. Avinger continued to shine, finishing the night with a game-high 19 points, while Flournoy added 15 points, including a key three-pointer that shifted momentum in Georgia’s favor.
In the paint, Georgia’s forwards dominated the rebounding battle, limiting second-chance opportunities for the Razorbacks. Forward Javyn Nicholson played a vital role, grabbing eight rebounds and making timely defensive stops to help protect the Bulldogs’ lead.
Clutch Plays Secure the Win
The fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth affair, with Arkansas refusing to go away quietly. The Razorbacks knocked down critical three-pointers to stay within striking distance, but Georgia’s composure at the free-throw line proved to be the difference.
With under two minutes remaining, Georgia held a narrow 72-70 advantage. Avinger then drove into the lane for a tough and-1 finish, extending the lead to five. Arkansas had opportunities to respond, but Georgia’s defense held firm, forcing a crucial shot clock violation with under a minute left. In the closing moments, the Bulldogs sealed the win at the free-throw line, holding off a late surge from the Razorbacks.
Coach’s Reaction and Next Steps
After the game, Georgia head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson praised her team’s resilience, saying, “This was a team win. We faced adversity early but stayed focused and executed when it mattered most. I’m so proud of the effort our players showed tonight.”
With the victory, Georgia advances to the second round of the SEC Tournament, where they will face Oklahoma in a highly anticipated matchup. The Bulldogs will look to build on their momentum and continue their pursuit of a deep postseason run.
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