A surge within the final seven minutes of sport time helped No. 23 Georgia almost knock off No. 1 Auburn on Saturday. In the end, a missed tip shot on the buzzer noticed the Tigers hold on for a 70-68 win and stay undefeated in SEC play.
As a staff, Auburn was higher from three-point vary (43.5%) than it was from the remainder of the sphere (39.3%). The Tigers shoot 37.9% from three on the season, and the rise in manufacturing Saturday was actually impactful.
As soon as once more for Auburn, the influence of freshman guard Tahaad Pettiford off the bench can’t be overstated. Pettiford has scored 12-plus factors in every of his final three video games and 10-plus in every of his final 5.
On Saturday, he led all scorers with 24 factors, capturing 5-for-7 from three-point vary. The 5 triples tied his season excessive from the start of November.
Whereas he did not rating a lot, senior middle Dylan Cardwell crammed up the stat sheet for Auburn, ending with two factors, seven rebounds, three assists, two steals and 4 blocks. Cardwell’s presence on the offensive boards helped Auburn accumulate second-chance factors.
Georgia almost pulled off what would’ve been one of many high comebacks of the season. The Bulldogs trailed by seven with 40 seconds remaining and had a chance to tie the sport on the buzzer.
Freshman ahead Asa Newell had the possibility to ship the sport to time beyond regulation and got here up simply quick on a tip shot. He was the perfect participant on the ground for Georgia, ending with 16 factors and 10 rebounds. It was the fourth double-double of the season for Newell.
Sophomore guard Blue Cain and senior guard Tyrin Lawrence every completed with 12 factors and have been the 2 different Bulldogs in double figures.
Regardless of accidents and late-game scares, Auburn continues to discover a solution to win and till they’re knocked off, they are going to proceed to be ranked No. 1 and regarded the perfect groups in faculty basketball.
