ATHENS – Alabama dominated the glass and out-toughed Georgia down the stretch in a 74-59 win in the SEC opener for both squads at Stegeman Coliseum.
“In the gut of the game, (Alabama’s) experience took over and they made the plays in the clutch,” said Georgia coach Mark Fox. “We were in position (at 52-48 in the second half), but didn’t finish.”
Georgia shot just 40.4 percent for the game while allowing Bama to shoot 55.1 percent. The Tide also controlled the glass with a 35-20 rebounding edge.
Despite getting out-rebounded and out-shot, Georgia closed to within four points with 9:18 left. But Alabama went on a 24-3 run from that point to close it out.
The Tide also used a first half run to put distance between themselves and the Bulldogs. After Georgia took an 11-10 lead with 13:08 left in the first half, the Tide went on an 11-2 run to take a commanding 21-10 lead they would not give up. At the half, Alabama held a 38-26 edge.
Alabama guard Trevor Lacey took advantage of the Bulldogs’ zone defense to score 17 points in the first half, most of which same from the outside. Lacey hit three first half three-pointers, while Alabama had six total. The Tide did not hit a trey in the second half.
The Tide outrebounded Georgia 18-9 in the first half while shooting 52 percent. The Bulldogs were hampered in the front court by forward Marcus Thornton’s absence, who was out with an injured knee.
“Without Marcus, we knew rebounding would be an issue,” said Fox. “They whooped us on the glass.”
No Bulldog had more than two rebounds at the half while Nemi Djurisic led the team with five boards for the game.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who had 22 points, was a bright spot for the Bulldogs. The freshman guard led all scorers by dropping 11 points in each half. KCP was 3-of-5 from the three-point line, while the rest of the Dawgs were a combined 1-for-12.
“We’re asking (KCP) to do a lot for a freshman,” said Fox. “He is growing up on the job, but is doing an admirable job.”
The Bulldogs fell to 9-6 (0-1) and will travel to Gainesville, Fla. Tuesday night to face No. 13 Florida. Georgia will then travel to face Vanderbilt in Nashville Saturday.
“We knew we would be facing three of the best four teams (at the start),” said Fox of the early-season SEC schedule. “But it all evens out and we know that.”
The Gators will be in a foul mood after being upset by Tennessee today in Knoxville.
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