Georgia avoided a disastrous loss by pulling out an 81-72 victory over Auburn at home in overtime. The Bulldogs never could sustain a rhythm pulling ahead by as many as nine points in the first half only to see Auburn answer right back. Jeremy Price tied a career high with 22 points and set a career high with 14 rebounds to lead the Bulldogs to victory. Earnest Ross scored a game and career high 30 points for Auburn.
Georgia led 33-24 during the first half before Auburn went on a run ending the half down four 38-34. The Bulldogs led 67-65 with 14 seconds remaining in the game before a turnover and a Ross layup tied the game up with ten seconds remaining. Gerald Robinson Jr. failed to convert on a lay up and Travis Leslie's tip in was ruled to have been after time had expired.
Georgia snatched control of the game in the overtime outscoring Auburn 14-5 in the period. Dustin Ware led the way for the Bulldogs in overtime scoring five of his seven total points in the extra period including the basket that gave Georgia the lead for good.
In addition to Price's 22 points, Travis Leslie added 20 points and eight rebounds. Trey Thompkins netted 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists to round out the Bulldogs in double figures. Dustin Ware finished with seven points, six rebounds, and five assists. Kenny Gabriel and Chris Denson joined Ross as Tigers in double figures with 11 and 10 points respectively.
To this point of the season Georgia has avoided that bad loss that damages a team's NCAA resume. This game would have been a very damaging loss and while clearly not playing their best, Mark Fox's club found a way to post another game in the win column. The Bulldogs move to 16-6 overall and 5-4 in the SEC. Georgia will step out of conference on Tuesday when they play host to Xavier in a game that has plenty of NCAA Tournament implications.
For more on this Georgia victory be sure and check out Dawg Sports.