Jump To Top of Page

MBB: Dawgs Are Nine Seed in Midwest Regional

 The Georgia Bulldogs received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament on Sunday as the No. 9 seed in the Midwest Regional. Georgia will play its Round of 64 game against eighth-seeded Gonzaga on Thursday at Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas. Game time and TV information will be released later tonight.

“(It’s a) great accomplishment for our program and this team,” head coach Mike White. “Georgia is dancing. We’ve got more basketball ahead of us, so it’s a great day. A great day for the SEC of course, a historic day for our league. We’re fired up and ready to get to work.”

Officially, this will be the Bulldogs’ 10th NCAA Tournament appearance, including a trip to the Final Four in 1983. Georgia is returning to “March Madness” for the first time since 2015. In their most recent tournament, the Bulldogs dropped a 70-63 decision to Michigan State, which went on to reach the Final Four. 

Georgia recorded its 20th win this season against Vanderbilt on March 8, just the sixth time in 119 seasons that the Bulldogs have reached the 20-win plateau during the regular season. The Bulldogs did so despite playing one of the nation’s most challenging schedules. Georgia played eight games against top-10 competition, the most of any school in the nation. Of the Bulldogs’ 32 games, 18 were against teams that received NCAA bids.

The Bulldogs feature a balanced offensive attack, with seven different players leading Georgia in scoring at least once this season. Asa Newell, an SEC All-Freshman selection by league coaches, sports team-high averages of 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Sophomore Silas Demary Jr. is averaging 13.4 points per game and team-best averages of 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Sophomore Blue Cain and graduate Dakota Leffew are contributing 9.6 ppg and 9.5 ppg, respectively.

Due to the limited number of seats in school allotments, fans are encouraged to purchase tickets through the NCAA at: https://gado.gs/ncaatix.

Mike White Interview

Head Coach Mike White

On making the NCAA Tournament…

“Great accomplishment for our program and this team. Georgia is dancing. We’ve got more basketball ahead of us so it’s a great day. A great day for the SEC of course, a historic day for our league. We’re fired up and ready to get to work.”  

On how the success in the NIT Tournament last year helped this team…

“To a certain extent, yes. But there’s nothing like the NCAA Tournament. Postseason experience is one thing and I think it provided momentum for these guys to catapult them into a strong offseason, neutral site games and the strength of the SEC. That said, the NCAA Tournament is special.”  

On improving over the season to reach the NCAA Tournament…

“It’s incredible but we want to celebrate in the spring. We want to make some noise, we want to play well. We have an opportunity as a team to make some noise. We’ll talk more about the big picture in the spring but we’ve come a long way.”

On the SEC schedule creating an advantage heading into the NCAA Tournament:

“Not necessarily. Gonzaga’s really good. They’ve played in a different league, obviously, for a long time, a league that’s very different than the SEC. And they’ve always had success, despite that difference. So, we’re prepared because we’ve played really good teams, in conference and non-conference. But at the end of the day, it’s about those 40 minutes and how both teams compete and execute.”

On the SEC receiving 14 bids to the NCAA Tournament:

“It’s incredible. The strength, the talent, the depth, the coaching, the fanbases, the facilities, the exposure is at an all-time high in college basketball, and the numbers finally back it up. We’ve been saying it for a few years, but I think now the numbers back up what we’re saying. The SEC is the best league in men’s basketball like it is in so many other sports. Now, it’s not even a conversation. It’s not an argument. We won eight in this league, and this league is just a gauntlet. Silas said ‘responses.’ Think about that response we had after a couple four-game skids. ‘What’s wrong with Georgia?’. What did you learn about yourself in these skids?’. Well, we’re probably not a top-ten team. But we might be 11. We might be 34 or 40 which is still a really good team. It’s just our league. It is, and it’s hard. It’s hard, and we’ve got a youthful group. I’ve said it all year. You lose one, and your doppler can get down a little bit. It’s about how well you respond. Then, you lose two, and then you have to go on the road to play this team and that team. But the response to come home and beat a top five team, and then go on the road and get a couple, and then finish it, and then ran into an Oklahoma team the other day that played really, really well. They’re very deserving, like we are, to represent this league.”

On what this means for the Georgia fanbase:

“The first thing I’ll say is that I’m appreciative of our fanbase for coming to support these guys because we had a  home court advantage. And the rest of our league did, but we did, as well. In our home wins, our student section and our other fans made a difference, and we’re appreciative. These guys played with some toughness and some resilience, and I’m wearing that word out, but that’s what these guys are to go get a couple on the road, as well. I’m appreciative that these guys came to Georgia. Silas said it, too. Dakota [Leffew] and Tyrin [Lawrence] came back for their fifth year from greater Atlanta and had a bunch of options. These guys [Demary Jr. and Cain] had options. Dylan [James] had options. We all came to Georgia to come together. We came to Georgia to rebuild and get Georgia to a tournament. It’s special. We’re going to celebrate this spring, and we’re going to prepare for Gonzaga.”

No. 5 Silas Demary Jr. | Soph. | G

On the feeling of seeing Georgia’s name come up on screen: 

“I’d probably kind of say I was just blessed to be able to be in this situation. I just think back to being a little kid, just always watching those games, especially during high school, teachers turning it on in class. But just to be able to finally be a part of this moment and especially being able to come back and do it in year two, I’m just grateful and happy to be a part of it.”

On his thoughts waiting to hear their name called:

“I’d probably just say guys were just nervous, obviously, just to see where we would land. I know there was a couple spots people were saying maybe like Raleigh, I was hoping to play in Raleigh cause I’m from there, but I’m grateful to just be able to still be playing. I think a lot of the guys were definitely nervous, and probably more so anxious than nervous, just to see who we were going to play, and we’re just to get ready to get back to work.”

On how practice has been leading into the selection show: 

“Just getting back to our main identity, playing hard, showing effort, following the details. Pretty much all the little things that we’ve done to get here, just try to hone in on those, and just be solid.”

On if the team ever allowed themselves to think about the tournament:

“I would definitely say guys have, but we’ve never really mainly talked about it. Our biggest thing is growth, so you can’t grow if you look in the ahead, and I think that’s just been our biggest part in that, and I think the guys really, the guys and the coaches that really bought into growing every day, and I think that’s the reason why we’re here where we at now.”

On where the team has grown the most…

“Responses. I would probably say that’s been the biggest jump. Looking at it from June to now, just the way that guys have gone on to the next play or we might have practices where we call no fouls and guys get really frustrated by it, but I think it pays off in the game because a lot of the guys think there is no point in talking to the ref, they’re not going to change the call so you just got to keep moving on and respond.”

On if he talked to Blue [Cain] about the tournament as coming in together: 

“Obviously, I think that’s a lot of high school guys’ dreams where they commit to schools together. Like, me and Blue [Cain], we played against each other on the Under Armour circuit, so just finally being able to be on the same team, you have those conversations, and I think that was a big goal of ours, and then including Dylan [James], like, Dylan definitely talked about going to the tournament, so I think that was a big part of us, and just to be able to build and be one of the main parts of it is a blessing.”

BSB: Dawgs Take UK Series in Slugfest, 17-10

Fourth-ranked Georgia beat No. 23 Kentucky 17-10 Sunday to win its first SEC series in front of 3,282 fans at Foley Field. 

Fast Facts

• After trailing early, a seven-run third inning put Georgia ahead 9-4. Two hit-by-pitches and Ryland Zaborowski’s single started the rally, followed by an RBI walk for senior Slate Alford and a three-run double for senior Robbie Burnett (4-for-4, 5 RBI, both career highs).
• In the third inning, Zaborowski extended his hitting streak to 10 games, and sophomore Tre Phelps (2-4, RBI) drew a walk to join Burnett in extending their on-base streak to 22 games. 
• Senior Henry Hunter (2-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI) launched two home runs, giving him four in this series and six total this season. Junior Kolby Branch also had a home run in the second inning. 
• Senior Brian Zeldin (1-0) provided 3.2 innings in relief with a career-high seven strikeouts to secure the 17-10 victory. The Bulldogs’ 17 runs tied their season-high from last month’s game against UIC.
• Georgia hit four more home runs Sunday and tallied 11 in the series to give it 57 on the year which ranks second nationally.

Key Quotes

Ike Cousins Head Baseball Coach Wes Johnson
On winning the first home SEC series…
“Anytime you win a series in general in this league, you got to be happy about it. I mean, it’s extremely, extremely hard. There’s a reason it’s the best league in the country. I mean, Kentucky, you’ve got to tip your hat. I think they have a really good baseball team, they can do some things. I’ll tell you what, you’re not going to want to keep playing them at home in their ballpark, where it’s big and the winds not blowing, you don’t want to play in there. So they’re going to be tough. We’ll take this one, like I said, you take any series win you can get.” 

Henry Hunter | Sr. | C
On his hitting approach today…
“Just continuing to get confidence. I’m developing an approach, understanding what people are trying to do to me, and getting my pitch. That’s the biggest thing just not chasing, just getting good pitches to hit and hitting them and not missing them.”

Brian Zeldin | Sr. | RHP
On getting out of the seventh-inning with the bases loaded…
“I put myself in a little bit of a hole there. Wes (Johnson) came out and settled me down. I was pretty committed to throwing three sliders there and executing some pitches and following it up with the next batter. I got out of there thankfully and we got a big win.”

Up Next
Fourth-ranked Georgia (21-2, 2-1 SEC) will travel to Florida (16-5, 0-3 SEC) Friday for its first road SEC series. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m.

Box Score

SB: Georgia Drops Series Finale to South Carolina, 3-2

SOFTBALL | at #9 South Carolina | L, 3-2
   Winning pitcher: Sam Gress (5-2)
   Losing Pitcher: Randi Roelling (6-3)

Season Record: 21-6, 2-4 SEC

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Despite giving up just four hits, the 13^th-ranked Georgia softball team dropped the series finale to No. 9 South Carolina, 3-2, on Sunday afternoon. 

The Bulldogs had the tying run on second base in the top of the seventh, but Dallis Goodnight was ultimately stranded there as South Carolina caught a fly ball to end the game. Georgia’s record fell to 21-6 overall and 2-4 in SEC play with the loss.

FAST FACTS

• Randi Roelling (6-3) recorded the loss in the circle for the Bulldogs. She faced all but two South Carolina batters on the day, giving up three runs on three hits while striking out two.
• Mua Williams led off the top of the third inning with her second home run of the weekend to give the Bulldogs a 1-0 lead. She went 1-of-3 on the day while batting ninth for Georgia.
• Marisa Miller blasted her second home run of the season over the left field wall in the top of the fourth to extend the lead to 2-0. Miller hit a perfect 3-of-3 to pace Georgia’s offense on Sunday.
• South Carolina took the lead during a three-run fifth inning, scoring on an infield single, walk, and sacrifice fly. The Gamecocks maintained a 3-2 lead for the remainder of the contest as the Bulldogs’ tying run was stranded on second in the seventh inning.

UP NEXT
Georgia opens a five-game homestand when it welcomes Georgia State to Jack Turner Softball Stadium on Wednesday. The game will air live on SECN+ with first pitch set for 6 p.m.  

WTEN: Georgia Records 11th Straight Win at Ole Miss, 4-1

OXFORD, Miss. — The No. 1 Georgia women’s tennis team (14-1, 7-0 SEC) earned its 11th-consecutive victory after knocking off No. 42 Ole Miss (9-7, 2-5 SEC), 4-1, at the Palmer/Salloum Tennis Center on Sunday.

Fast Facts

• The Bulldogs are now 46-10 all-time against the Rebels, winning 25 of the last 28 matchups.
• Georgia also improved its SEC regular season winning streak to 22 matches dating back to the 2021-22 season.
• The Bulldogs have now outscored opponents 63-12 through 15 matches in the spring.
• Georgia opened the afternoon with a win in doubles. #13 Dasha Vidmanova and Mell Reasco struck first as they defeated #50 Ludmila Kareisova and Anaelle Leclerq-Ficher, 6-2, on court one followed by #70 Guillermina Grant and Anastasiia Lopata (UGA) taking down Andrea Nova and Brooklyn Olson, 6-4, on court two.
• In singles, #82 Grant was the first on the board for the Bulldogs as she knocked off Rachel Krzyzak, 6-4, 6-2, on court five to double Georgia’s lead to 2-0.
• Despite an Ole Miss victory on court three, #48 Lopata responded immediately to give the Bulldogs a two-point cushion, defeating Kareisova 6-3, 6-2 on court two.
• #1 Vidmanova sealed the deal for Georgia as outlasted Emily Welker in a second set breaker to win 6-0, 7-6(5) and clinch the match for the Bulldogs.

Results
Doubles:
1. #13 Dasha Vidmanova/Mell Reasco (UGA) def. #50 Ludmila Kareisova/Anaelle Leclerq-Ficher (OM), 6-2
2. #70 Guillermina Grant/Anastasiia Lopata (UGA) def. Andrea Nova/Brooklyn Olson (OM), 6-4
3. Emily Welker/Alice Soulie (OM) def. #75 Aysegul Mert/Hayden Mulberry (UGA), 6-2

Singles:
1. #1 Dasha Vidmanova (UGA) def. Emily Welker (OM), 6-0, 7-6(5)
2. #48 Anastasiia Lopata (UGA) def. Ludmila Kareisova (OM), 6-3, 6-2
3. Lucie Petruzelova (OM) def. Mell Reasco (UGA), 6-4, 6-2
4. #41 Aysegul Mert (UGA) vs Alice Soulie (OM), 6-1, 4-6, 5-0, unfinished
5. #82 Guillermina Grant (UGA) def. Rachel Krzyzak (OM), 6-4, 6-2
6. Sofia Rojas (UGA) vs Emma Kette (OM), 6-3, 4-6, 0-0, unfinished

Order of finish: Doubles (1,3,2); Singles (5,3,2,1)

Up Next
The No. 1 Bulldogs will return to Athens for a home weekend slate where they face No. 70 Arkansas on Friday, March 21 at 4 p.m. ET at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex.

Match 16 – No. 1 Georgia vs No. 70 Arkansas
Date: Friday,March 21, 2025
Time: 4 p.m. ET
Location: Athens, Ga.
Site: Dan Magill Tennis Complex
Live Video/Stats: https://gado.gs/outdoorlive

Jump To Today’s Discussion Thread