After a slow first half from both teams, Auburn fell behind by 13 points early in the fourth quarter. They battled back and forced overtime where they won 59-58 in exciting fashion.
Auburn began the game sluggish on offense. They were only able to manage shooting 3-14 from the field in the first quarter. On a positive note, the defense did show up and limited Georgia’s shooting to 3-12 in the first quarter.
Both teams did improve in the second quarter with Auburn shooting 50 percent and Georgia shooting 54.5 percent. Possessions were slow and usually ran the shot clock all the way down. This led to a 22-19 score in favor of Georgia at halftime.
Both teams committed 10 turnovers in the first half, but neither were able to capitalize when they had the chance.
Auburn failed to score any fast break in the first half, whereas Georgia scored seven.
The third quarter was well in favor of Georgia as they shot 53.8 percent from the field compared to Auburn’s 23.5 percent. Georgia also shot 3-5 from the three-point line. Georgia led 40-30 at the end of the third quarter.
Georgia was able to extend that lead to 13 points early in the fourth quarter before Auburn went on a tear.
Auburn tallied six steals in the final five minutes of play. They finished the game with 21 steals as Janiah Mckay led the way with five. The steals in the final minutes came from the full court press which Auburn was able to run when the offense was rolling.
Crystal Primm made a clutch layup with 13 seconds remaining to force overtime and overcome the 13-point deficit.
Auburn opened the overtime period with a Unique Thompson layup to give them their first lead since the second quarter.
The teams went back and forth during the overtime period. Crystal Primm made two free throws with 34 seconds remaining to give Auburn a one-point lead. Georgia answered that with two free throws of their own to take the lead right back. On Auburn’s final possession, Crystal Primm made two more free throws that were ultimately the game winning free throws. When asked what goes through her mind in a situation like that, Primm was to the point, “You have to make it.”
This win improves Auburn’s record to 17-5 overall and 5-4 in SEC play. They face Kentucky at home on Thursday night at 6 PM.
