Georgia Women’s Basketball Sees First Loss of the Season to Georgia State
In the bustling city of Athens, the Georgia Lady Bulldogs faced their first defeat of the season, falling to Georgia State with a score of 66-60 in a fiercely contested game that had fans on the edge of their seats. The matchup was a classic dog-and-cat style battle, with both teams showcasing their skills and competitive spirit.
A Slow Start Leads to a Major Challenge
Coming into the game, the Lady Bulldogs were riding high with a 3-0 record, but things took a turn in the first quarter as they found themselves struggling to keep pace with Georgia State. Senior guard Asia Avinger pointed out that the team’s sluggish start was unexpected. “It starts with me,” she said. “As far as being a leader on the team, I have to be able to get my teammates ready. We shouldn’t take any team for granted. I think we just came out flat and that’s not us at all.” This was evident as Georgia went into the second quarter trailing by seven points, marking the first time this season they had been down by that much.
Halftime Drama
As the first half progressed, Georgia State extended its lead to a daunting 13 points, leaving the Lady Bulldogs frustrated. However, Avinger and fellow senior De’Mauri Flournoy stepped up to rally the team back into contention. The two dynamic guards worked tirelessly to claw back into the game, ultimately finishing the half only one point behind Georgia State at 34-33. This comeback was fueled by some strong plays, including Avinger’s two free throws and a jumper by Flournoy during a fast break. Their hustle paid off as Avinger snagged back-to-back steals that led to four more points, and Flournoy capped off the half with a three-pointer.
Intensity is Key
Avinger reflected on the team’s struggle, saying, “It comes with our intensity. That’s where it starts. And if you don’t have that, you’re not going to turn over or get that one stop or the extra plays that you need. We fell behind with that and got complacent.” Their defensive energy faltered at crucial moments, allowing Georgia State to maintain their grasp on the game.
Second Half Push But No Victory
After regrouping at halftime, the Lady Bulldogs returned to the court with a sense of urgency. However, despite their efforts, Georgia State managed to outmaneuver them through a combination of fast breaks and sharp shooting, frustrating the Lady Bulldogs even further. “We struggled really on the defensive side, and that’s usually our strong suit,” Avinger admitted. “We didn’t bring our game, and that’s what made us lose. I take accountability myself, but we also have to take it as a whole. We just have to bury this one, go back and watch the film and learn from it.”
Leading the Charge
Avinger led the team with an impressive performance, putting up 15 points, along with 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals despite facing foul trouble. Flournoy added valuable contributions, scoring 14 points, while their teammates Amiya Evans and Fatima Diakhate rounded up the scoring with 11 points each, marking Diakhate’s much-anticipated return from injury.
Moving Forward
The Lady Bulldogs, now at a record of 3-1, will hit the road again this Sunday to face off against Georgia Tech who currently holds a record of 2-0. This matchup will be Georgia’s first road game of the season and comes after Georgia Tech’s victory of 67-47 against Georgia State on November 8. With the tip-off set for 2 p.m. on the ACC Network, the Lady Bulldogs are eager to bounce back and show what they’re truly capable of.
As this season continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Lady Bulldogs will be preparing hard to learn from their first loss and come back stronger than ever!
