Roberts Leads Georgia to Victory in Overtime Against LSU

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Roberts Leads Georgia to Victory in Overtime Against LSU

Pachis Roberts for 2
Pachis Roberts for 2

 
 
The Georgia women’s basketball team hosted their annual pink-out and senior day game against LSU on Sunday and defeated the 18-8 Tigers in overtime 70-65. The game was Georgia’s Play4Kay game and the Lady Bulldogs wore pink uniforms in honor of the occasion.
 
 
Before the game, seniors, Shanea Armbrister, Pachis Roberts, and Halle Washington received honors for their achievements as a Lady Dog. They each signed the bulldog statue as part of a tradition held by Georgia. To top it off, all three seniors received starting spots as well.
 
 

Pachis Roberts lays it in
Pachis Roberts lays it in

 
 
The leading scorer for Georgia was Pachis Roberts; who put up 28 points, five rebounds and blocked two shots. Caliya Robinson not far behind her scored 20 points, banked eight rebounds and had four blocks. Roberts shot 10-15 from the field in the game, making 66.6 percent of her shots. Although Roberts always performs well. She showed up for senior night, she made it a point to have an impressive game.
 
 

“I kind of felt like I had to,” Roberts said. “It was senior night so it was like a senior had to go out there and play big.”

 
 
Georgia started out aggressively in the first quarter against a sharp-shooting Tiger squad. The defense forced turnovers and made LSU miss. However, it didn’t take the Tigers long to get into the swing of things. They went on an 8-0 run before Mackenzie Engram stopped the drought with a smooth jumper.
 
 
After a strong start, Georgia fell flat. Losing silly turnovers and rushing plays. The Tigers settled into their game and kept the lead comfortable until the last three minutes of the half. Georgia’s Caliya Robinson made two crucial jumpers bringing the score within two. LSU went into the half leading the Lady Dogs 24-22.
 
 
 

Caliya Robinson prepares to elevate the shot
Caliya Robinson prepares to elevate the shot

 
 
Georgia opened the second half determined but not aggressive enough. Georgia only shot 35.7 percent from the field, while LSU shot 50 percent. The lack of rebounding and turnovers were Georgia’s weakness during the third preventing them from gaining any momentum.
 
 
After a poor third quarter performance, the Lady Dogs turned it around in the fourth. Roberts quickly scored two baskets eliminating the deficit to one. Two of LSU’s starters got into foul trouble early in the fourth, giving Georgia another advantage. LSU’s foul trouble allowed Georiga to score some much-needed points from the line. The Lady Dogs shot 61.5 percent from the field and held LSU scoreless from the 7:11 mark until 3:26 left in regulation. Georgia scored 34 of their 70 points in the paint, 24 of those occurred in the second half. By being able to score down low, Georgia utilized their size advantage and took control of the game..
 
 

Stephanie Paul shoots
Stephanie Paul shoots

 
 
Overall the team played well throughout the game. Roberts, however, put the team on her back and took over. She put up 26 points in the second half. Of those 26 points, she scored 14 in the fourth quarter. Georgia took LSU to the last second and forced overtime.
 
 

“Pachis answers the call every time she steps on the floor,” head coach Joni Taylor said. “She had to points in the first and then had 26 points in the second half. (Roberts) showed her versatility and when she makes her mind up she can score in a variety of ways. She put the team on her back and I’m happy she showed up for senior night . It’s a special way to go out.”

 
 
Georgia continued a strong offensive performance into the overtime period. The team outscored LSU 13-8 as Robinson and Roberts led the way making key shots. The Lady Dogs maintained composure and stuck to the game plan. Georgia took advantage of LSU’s foul trouble sealing the win from the free throw line. The Lady Dogs are now 6-1 in games decided by five points or less.
 
 

Joni Taylor on her scooter
Joni Taylor on her scooter

 
 

“To come out here and get a win and protect our home floor…I’m happy,” Taylor said. “It shows that we are continuing to get better. We’re not perfect by any means but we’re playing well and we have a lot of confidence in these close games. I think we’re 6-1 in these games that are decided in five points or less. We know how to play in these situations because we have done it all year long.”

 
 
To close the season out, Georgia will host their final home game on Thursday, Feb. 23 against Alabama. Tip-off will be at 7 p.m.
 
 
Here is the UGA versus LSU photo gallery:
 
 
[foogallery id=”99785″]  
 
 
 

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Savannah Leigh is a recent graduate of the Grady College of Journalism at the University of Georgia. She is an avid SEC, Dawgs, and college football fan. She also adores her four-year-old black lab, Champ Bailey.