Georgia’s remarkable 82-69 win over No. 6 Kentucky on Tuesday marked the team’s first victory over a top-10 opponent in five years. The Bulldogs were led by freshman Asa Newell, who was instrumental in securing the victory, particularly in the second half.
In front of a lively crowd at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia, the Bulldogs displayed a well-balanced attack, leading the Wildcats throughout the entire second half. With the win, Georgia (13-2, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) moved one step closer to becoming a contender in the SEC.
Asa Newell’s Second-Half Surge Powers Georgia’s Victory
Asa Newell was nothing short of spectacular during the second half, scoring 12 of his 17 points after the break. His contributions were key in Georgia’s efforts to build a commanding lead. Newell’s performance exemplified what Georgia fans hope is a turning point for the program, especially given the significance of the win.
Georgia head coach Mike White praised his team’s resilience throughout the game. “Asa showed what he’s capable of, and it was great to see his growth,” White said post-game. The Bulldogs led 47-34 at halftime, and their defense kept Kentucky from gaining momentum in the second half.
The Bulldogs were further bolstered by Blue Cain’s 15 points and Silas Demary Jr.’s 14 points, with both contributing key baskets during crucial moments. Cain’s ability to score, along with Demary’s clutch shooting, helped maintain the lead as Kentucky tried to fight back.
Kentucky, for their part, struggled with foul trouble, which undoubtedly hampered their offensive rhythm. Several key players for the Wildcats, including Amari Williams, Andrew Carr, and Ansley Almonor, were forced to sit out key minutes in the second half after picking up multiple fouls. The inability of Kentucky’s defense to stay intact allowed Georgia to execute their game plan effectively.
Kentucky’s Struggles and Key Takeaways
The Wildcats (12-3, 1-1 SEC) came into the game as one of the most high-powered offensive teams in the country, averaging 90.2 points per game and having surpassed the 100-point mark five times this season. However, they were stifled by Georgia’s defense, which forced them into tough shots and limited their fast breaks.
The Wildcats entered the game with high expectations, but their struggles from beyond the arc and a poor shooting performance from Otega Oweh (12 points on just 3-of-13 shooting) kept them from finding a rhythm. Even though Lamont Butler led Kentucky with 20 points, the team could not overcome the defensive pressure from the Bulldogs.
A key moment came midway through the second half when Newell knocked down a critical three-pointer, pushing the Georgia lead to double digits. The Wildcats were within striking distance, having narrowed the gap to 55-50, but Newell’s timely shot and Demary’s follow-up three-pointer helped Georgia regain momentum.
The Wildcats’ performance on both ends of the floor could not match their typical high-scoring output. While their defense faltered, Georgia was efficient and disciplined, capitalizing on Kentucky’s mistakes.
A Historic Win for Georgia
This victory was more than just a regular win—it was a moment of historical significance. Georgia’s last win over a top-10 opponent was five years ago, a 65-62 triumph over No. 9 Memphis on January 4, 2020. This victory, however, came at a critical time in the SEC season and could propel Georgia forward as they aim to make a deeper run in the postseason.
The Bulldogs’ dominant performance on both ends of the floor made this win particularly sweet. Their defense limited Kentucky’s high-powered offense, while their offensive balance, featuring key contributions from Newell, Cain, and Demary, showed that Georgia can compete with the best in the nation.
As the game wrapped up, the Stegeman Coliseum crowd erupted in applause, celebrating a win that not only solidified Georgia’s standing in the SEC but also served as a signal to the rest of the league that they are a team to watch this season.
With the win, Georgia now looks ahead to their upcoming games, hopeful that this victory will serve as a launching pad for continued success in conference play.
