Dawgs shock Tigers in Columbia
The Georgia Bulldogs (7-6, 1-1) won an emotionally inspired game against #21 Missouri on Wednesday night, just a day after their head coach attended the funeral of his late father.
In my opinion, this win was by far the best road win of the Mark Fox Era – the next best being a road win at Starkville two years ago in which UGA upset then-ranked #20 Mississippi State.
Last night’s game seems bigger, though.
UGA came into this contest 0-6 in contests away from Athens, and Mizzu held the nation’s longest-running home win streak at 26 games, which Georgia snapped.
The Bulldogs played with more effort last night than we have seen all season, out-rebounding the Tigers 43-34 and limiting them to under 40% from the floor as a team. Mizzu’s star point guard, Jordan Clarkson, came into the game netting more than 19 points per game – yet the Dawgs were able to hold him to just 12 points on a frustrating 4 of 14 shooting performance.
While Charles Mann led the way with 18 points, Coach Fox also got double-digit scoring efforts from Nemanja Djurisic, Kenny Gaines and Brandon Morris, who chipped in 16, 11, and 10, respectively.
Mann relentlessly attacked the basket all night, and he scored the go-ahead bucket in the lane with 39 second left in overtime, putting his team up 65-63. The Dawgs got a stop on the next possession, and they managed to hit enough free throws to escape Columbia with the 70-64 upset.
Neme, much like in the win over Western Carolina, seemingly took over on offense late in the game. After scoring 9 points on all three’s in the first half, Djurisic went scoreless for the next 20 minutes. However, Neme came alive in overtime, scoring the Dawgs’ first 7 points, including a monster three-pointer that tied the game at 63 apiece with a 1:44 remaining.
Probably the most amazing aspect of last night’s win was the fact that UGA was able to overcome another atrocious performance from the free throw line, where the team made only 13 of 26 attempts. Had Georgia been more efficient from the charity stripe, they would have put this game away in regulation.
Regardless, this victory could not have come at a better time for a team that appeared to be fading towards the end of 2013.
Georgia gets Alabama at home on Saturday, and the biggest question now is whether they can match last night’s effort on a consistent basis as they continue their march through the 2014 SEC schedule.
Unbelievable! Shocking really. Go Dawgs!
Decatur Dawg
January 9, 2014 at 7:53 am
I chose not to read this article after noting you don’t even have their record correct. 7-6 (1-0). Just a heads up.
Brandon
January 9, 2014 at 9:05 am
Don’t be a jerk Brandon, I don’t see you running a blog.
Decatur Dawg
January 9, 2014 at 9:20 am
Incredible win!!!! I was shocked to see them up at the half. I then tuned in and was sure I was going to be let down but the boys came through!!! I’m hoping this is the catalyst to get the season turned around. It should give them massive confidence going into a winnable game at home Saturday. Mann just needs to shoot free throws the rest of the week. He can score 20/game if he can shoot 70-80 from the line. He’s a great player. I’ve always liked Fox but I had lost hope….hope is beginning to return with this shocking win! I’m excited about Saturday!!!
Marietta Dawg
January 9, 2014 at 9:44 am
Agree Hoop, CMF’s best road win, if not his best win ever. I kept think we would fade at anytime, in OT for sure. I knew we had won when they fouled Gaines, our best free throw shooter. Amazing effort! How can this be the same team that played the first part of the season? Fox is a great person-would love for the season to turn around. He finally gave his best players the minutes. Free throws are still a problem, especially Thornton, after 4 years. We won it on rebounding. Hopeful again, after one good game.
Jerry
January 9, 2014 at 9:59 am
You are right – if Mann could get more consistent at the line he is easily a 20ppg player.
hoopdawg
January 10, 2014 at 6:48 am
Yep! I teared up! So happy I couldn’t sleep. Watched first half, then had to listen to second half on radio until the 8 minute mark until I could get back from an errand. Wonderful to share Scott Howard’s and Chuck Dowdle’s urgent, believing-disbelieving, edge-of-their-seats announcing. Back home on the couch I was alternating between wild fist pumps and prayers for divine guidance! It wasn’t always pretty, but it sure had heart. I agree, one of, if not the best Fox-era games!
Harlem Bill
January 9, 2014 at 10:28 am
Scott Howard does an amazing job with the basketball games.
hoopdawg
January 10, 2014 at 6:51 am
Great win. I feel that by CMF not switching the players out as much gave them the time they needed to Get it a good rhythm on the floor during the 2nd half
Freeman Thomas
January 10, 2014 at 5:59 am
Great point! Mann played 42 min, Gaines 36, Morris 29 and Neme 32 – coincidentally, all four of them scored in double-figures.
hoopdawg
January 10, 2014 at 6:51 am