The No. 1 Auburn Tigers looked poised to cruise to a 19th consecutive victory with ease when they took a 42-30 lead to halftime against the Georgia Bulldogs. Instead, Auburn needed late-game heroics from sophomore guard Wendell Green Jr. to avoid an upset bid from the SEC's last-place team.
Auburn's 12-point lead over the Bulldogs evaporated in just two minutes early in the second half when Georgia went on an 11-0 run that closed the gap. Georgia took a two-point lead in the final minute of the game, but failed to extend the lead to three when Aaron Cook missed a free throw. After Auburn tied the score and Georgia missed a three-pointer, Green raced down the floor and fought through contact to put in the game-winner with just a few seconds left.
FOR THE LEAD!!! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/fgN8CClZSQ
— Auburn Basketball (@AuburnMBB) February 5, 2022
Georgia's half-court heave on the following possession was unsuccessful.
The 74-72 win was a shockingly close call for an Auburn team whose only loss came in a double-overtime game against Connecticut in November. Georgia is now 6-17 overall with a 1-9 record in SEC play. The Bulldogs have won just one of their last 12.
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