The growth of the UGA basketball team under coach Mike White is persistent. After making the NIT Last season and proving to the basketball world they are trending in the right direction, they put themselves in a significant position to make the NCAA tournament. This information comes despite some setbacks earlier in the year, for example losing to Ole Miss and Arkansas.
The Dawgs are sitting at 18-11 overall after a couple of major wins in the past week against No. 3 Florida, and a mid-table SEC team, the Texas Longhorns. There are a few things the Dawgs can use to their advantage to make the NCAA tournament, like the quality wins against St. John’s, Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Florida this year. They also have the 4th ranked toughest schedule in the SEC despite being 6-10 in conference play. Additionally, they rank first when it comes to most games played against ranked opponents and ranked opponents in the AP top 10.
Despite their 10 SEC losses, the Dawgs have been competitive. They have led at halftime in five of those 10 losses. Considering the eye test and how the committee rewards teams that are hot in early March, the Dawgs are playing their best basketball at the right time, regardless of their four straight losses before a win against Florida. If the Dawgs end up winning out and becoming part of the 20-win club, it would be an impossible choice to leave them out of the NCAA tournament.
Some factors that could keep the Dawgs out of the NCAA Tournament include their unavoidable losing record in conference play, regardless of how the season ends. Additionally, their early-season résumé lacks marquee wins, even though they have been performing well recently. Lastly, other bubble teams could strengthen their cases with key victories, potentially hurting Georgia’s chances of making the tournament.
The Dawgs control their own destiny as they push for an NCAA tournament bid. Winning out and making a deep SEC tournament run would solidify their chances. Key players like Silas Demary and Asa Newell must continue to show their strong performances in the final two games. Playing South Carolina tonight on the road presents a challenge. As the lowest seeded team in the league, they have nothing to lose. Meanwhile, Saturday’s final home matchup against Vanderbilt will be tough but Georgia’s 14-3 record in front of the Stegeman crowd gives them an advantage.
The excitement for a tournament run is growing, and Georgia continues to prove they deserve to be in the conversation.
