Post by : Maya Rahman

Georgia maintained its momentum in the historic “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate” rivalry, securing a 92-87 win against Georgia Tech in Athens, Georgia. This victory marks Georgia's third consecutive triumph over its state counterpart. The match was filled with energy, exhilarating momentum shifts, and standout performances by players on both teams, making it one of the season's highlights.

Jeremiah Wilkinson and Blue Cain led the scoring for Georgia, each netting 18 points. Wilkinson, who transferred from California, demonstrated confidence with two successful three-pointers and effective drives to the basket. Cain also contributed to the offense with a pair of long-range shots, vital for maintaining Georgia's pace. Their scoring was integral, comprising four of the team’s six three-pointers during the game.

A significant factor in Georgia's victory was the bench's impressive performance, contributing 44 points, in contrast to Georgia Tech's 26. This depth allowed the Bulldogs to maintain their advantage even when starters rested. Jordan Ross chipped in with 14 points, while Somto Cyril added eight points, six rebounds, and three blocks, proving essential in thwarting several Georgia Tech scoring efforts.

Georgia Tech proved a formidable opponent, with Kam Craft leading the Yellow Jackets with 17 points on an impressive 5-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc. Craft’s precision kept Georgia Tech competitive throughout the game. Lamar Washington and Jaeden Mustaf added 16 and 15 points respectively, along with significant contributions in assists and rebounds, enabling Georgia Tech to vie for the lead until the final moments.

The game featured continuous action, with both teams trading momentum. Georgia initially faced a deficit but rallied with a 10-0 run. They maintained control for most of the first half until Georgia Tech answered back with a timely 8-0 run to briefly take the lead. Georgia soon retaliated with a 6-0 run of their own, entering halftime with a narrow 46-45 advantage.

In the second half, Georgia Tech surged with an 11-0 run, powered by Mustaf scoring seven points during the rally, giving them a 56-50 edge. However, Georgia quickly responded with a 10-0 spurt, leveraging their depth and shooting skills. Jake Wilkins netted five crucial points in this stretch, cheered on by his father, Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins, who was present in the audience.

As the game reached a tie at 66-66 with under nine minutes left, anticipation built for a thrilling finale. Georgia surged ahead with a 7-0 run within just 56 seconds, capturing the momentum. This run expanded into a significant 12-2 push, ultimately securing the Bulldogs' lead. Georgia Tech attempted a late-game revival with 13 quick points in the final two minutes, but their efforts came too late.

This victory elevated Georgia’s season record to 4-0, maintaining their flawless nonconference home performance under coach Mike White, who has guided them to 31 consecutive nonconference home victories. The Bulldogs' robust depth, balanced scoring, and ability to manage high-pressure situations suggest they are gaining confidence as the season progresses.

Looking ahead, Georgia braces for more challenging matchups as they seek to continue their undefeated run. Meanwhile, Georgia Tech, now with a 3-1 record, aims to build on their impressive shooting display while addressing defensive lapses that permitted Georgia's scoring runs.

#Sports News