In a shocking turn of events, Ole Miss marched into Stegeman Coliseum and handed Georgia a devastating 97-95 defeat, sending shockwaves through the college basketball world. This monumental upset will undoubtedly have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. Georgia, boasting a 16-4 record and a net ranking of 32, was expected to dominate the 11-9 Rebels, but Ole Miss had other plans.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Georgia taking a 40-35 lead into halftime. However, Ole Miss came out firing in the second half, outscoring the Bulldogs 52-47 to force overtime. In the extra period, the Rebels outscored Georgia 10-8, securing the stunning upset. Jeremiah Wilkinson was phenomenal for Georgia, pouring in 32 points, while Kanon Catchings and Marcus Millender added 17 and 14 points, respectively. Despite their best efforts, the Bulldogs couldn't contain the Rebels' high-powered offense.
AJ Storr was the catalyst for Ole Miss, delivering a masterful performance with 27 points and 8 rebounds. Patton Pinkins and Travis Perry provided valuable support, chipping in 18 and 14 points, respectively. The Rebels' ability to spread the scoring and capitalize on Georgia's mistakes ultimately was the difference-maker.
This upset is a significant blow to Georgia's tournament resume, as it constitutes a Quadrant 3 loss. On the other hand, Ole Miss can savor a crucial Quadrant 1 victory, which will undoubtedly bolster their chances of making a postseason push. The Rebels' net ranking of 86 will likely see a significant boost, while Georgia's ranking may take a hit.
The loss will undoubtedly raise questions about Georgia's consistency and ability to close out games against lesser opponents. Meanwhile, Ole Miss can take pride in their resilience and determination, as they withstood a fierce challenge from a top-notch opponent. As the season unfolds, this upset will be remembered as a defining moment for both teams.
In terms of tournament implications, this result throws a wrench into Georgia's plans, potentially jeopardizing their seeding and positioning. Conversely, Ole Miss has injected new life into their postseason aspirations, demonstrating that they can compete with – and beat – top-tier opponents. As the Rebels and Bulldogs continue their respective journeys, this thrilling upset will serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of college basketball. With this Quadrant 1 win, Ole Miss has significantly strengthened their tournament resume, while Georgia must regroup and refocus to mitigate the damage from this stunning upset.