The No. 23 Georgia Bulldogs are set to host the top-ranked Auburn Tigers in a highly anticipated SEC matchup on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia. Tip-off is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET, with television coverage on the SEC Network.
Auburn enters the game with a 16-1 overall record and a perfect 4-0 mark in conference play. The Tigers are riding a nine-game winning streak, including a commanding 88-66 victory over No. 15 Mississippi State in their most recent outing. In that game, Chad Baker-Mazara led all scorers with 20 points, while Chaney Johnson, making his first start of the season, contributed 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Tigers will be without All-American forward Johni Broome, who is sidelined indefinitely due to a left ankle sprain sustained in the win against South Carolina. Broome has been a key contributor, averaging 17.9 points per game, which ranks fifth in the SEC. Despite his absence, Auburn’s depth has been evident, with players like Johnson stepping up to fill the void.
Georgia boasts a 14-3 overall record and is 2-2 in SEC play. The Bulldogs have been formidable at home, maintaining an unblemished 11-0 record at Stegeman Coliseum this season. They have secured notable victories over then-No. 6 Kentucky and No. 17 Oklahoma, marking their return to the Top 25 rankings for the first time since January 2011.
In their latest game, the Bulldogs faced No. 6 Tennessee and suffered a 74-56 defeat. Georgia held a slim lead at halftime but was outscored 49-30 in the second half. Freshman Asa Newell led the team with 13 points, while Silas Demary Jr. added 12 points, all from three-point range. Head coach Mike White emphasized the need to maintain defensive intensity throughout the game.
Asa Newell has been a standout performer for the Bulldogs this season, leading the team with averages of 15.3 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Dakota Leffew and Silas Demary Jr. have also been consistent contributors, averaging 12.1 and 11.9 points per game, respectively.
Auburn’s offense has been prolific, averaging 86.6 points per game, which ranks them eighth nationally. They lead the SEC in field goal percentage and are second in three-point shooting. Defensively, the Tigers allow 66 points per game, placing them sixth in the conference.
Georgia’s defense has been a strong point, allowing just 64.8 points per game, ranking third in the SEC. Offensively, the Bulldogs average 78.5 points per game. Their ability to maintain their defensive prowess will be crucial against Auburn’s high-scoring offense.
This matchup marks only the second time that both teams have been ranked when facing each other, adding historical significance to the game. With Auburn aiming to extend their winning streak and Georgia looking to defend their perfect home record, fans can anticipate an intense and competitive contest in Athens.