Entering the midway point of SEC play, Johnnie Harris’ Auburn Tigers, boasting a record of 13-6 overall and 2-4 in the SEC, exude confidence as they gear up to face Katie Abrahamson-Henderson’s Georgia Bulldogs, who stand at 10-9 overall and 1-5 in the SEC. This marks the 56th encounter between the two programs, with the Lady Bulldogs currently holding a 35-20 lead in this historic matchup. Notably, the Tigers suffered two consecutive losses to Georgia during the 2022-23 season, the latest being a 63-47 defeat at the SEC Tournament on March 2, 2023.
While the Lady Bulldogs have faced challenges this season, enduring a five-game losing streak and sitting at 1-5 in the conference, Auburn has undergone a transformation in recent games. With significant victories against No. 7 LSU and in-state rival Alabama, the Tigers are looking to redeem themselves against Georgia.
Auburn’s defensive prowess will play a crucial role in securing their third SEC win. Over the past few games, the Tigers’ defense has limited opponents to an average of 12.8 points less than their season scoring average. Notably, they held the nation’s top-scoring offense, LSU, to just 62 points, the lowest total of the season for the Bayou Bengals.
Georgia, reliant on scoring inside the three-point line, shoots 41% from the field and excels at the free-throw line, averaging 25 made field goals and 12 free throws per game. The Bulldogs’ weakness lies in three-point shooting, with an average of only 3.3 made 3-pointers per game. Auburn’s defensive strategy will be crucial in forcing Georgia’s offense to shoot from beyond the arc.
A significant factor in Auburn’s success has been their field goal shooting, as they consistently secure victories when shooting above 40%. Leading scorer Honesty Scott-Grayson, averaging 15.9 points per game, will look for support from the rest of the team. Scott-Grayson, with a 40% field goal and 78% free throw shooting, has been a force on both ends of the court with 43 assists and 23 steals.
In comparison, Georgia’s Javyn Nicholson leads the Lady Bulldogs with 15.6 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, shooting 45% from the field and 70% at the free-throw line.
The Tigers’ confidence has grown throughout the season, particularly with their eight newest additions gaining experience in SEC play. Harris emphasized the learning curve for these players and the invaluable lessons gained in navigating the challenges of playing at this competitive level.
The highly anticipated matchup between the Tigers and Lady Bulldogs is set to take place at Neville Arena on Monday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. CST. Fans can catch the action on the SEC Network.
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