Georgia’s Big Bite: Lady Bulldogs Take Down Kentucky in SEC Thriller
In what was undoubtedly the most talked-about game of the weekend, the Georgia Lady Bulldogs pulled off a stunning 72-67 upset over 11th-ranked Kentucky at Memorial Coliseum in Lexington on Saturday. Georgia jumped ahead early and never really looked back, holding the Wildcats at bay despite a late Kentucky rally. Dani Carnegie and Rylie Theuerkauf led the charge with 19 points apiece, showcasing poise and clutch scoring against a highly regarded SEC opponent. This victory marked a signature win for Georgia, 18-3, 4-3 SEC, who improved their resume in a competitive league. Meanwhile, Kentucky, 17-5, 4-4 SEC, suffered its third straight loss, raising questions about its consistency late in conference play. The Lady Bulldogs’ win not only energized their fanbase but redesigned the SEC landscape as the calendar tilts toward February.
First Half Fireworks Set the Tone
Georgia struck early and often, jumping out to a 21-12 lead after the first quarter and maintaining control through halftime. The Lady Bulldogs moved the ball effectively, mixing solid defense with timely offense to keep Kentucky from finding tempo. Although the Wildcats cut into the lead in the third quarter, even grabbing a brief 42-39 edge on a Kaelyn Carroll three, Georgia responded with a decisive 7-0 run. Both teams combined for a barrage of triples in that stretch, but Georgia’s balanced attack kept them one step ahead. Defensive intensity late in the game helped seal the outcome, as Georgia clamped down when it mattered most. The Lady Bulldogs also excelled at the free-throw line, converting 18 of 20 to close things out.
Standout Performances and Key Stat Lines
Carnegie and Theuerkauf’s shared lead scorer honors powered Georgia’s offensive burst, but the victory was truly a team effort. Mia Woolfolk contributed a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds, anchoring the paint and controlling the glass for the visitors. Trinity Turner added 14 points, giving Georgia consistent scoring depth beyond its two top guns. On the Kentucky side, Asia Boone and Amelia Hassett each scored 15 points, while Tonie Morgan dished out 12 assists in a valiant all-around effort. Despite shooting a respectable 40.7 percent from beyond the arc, the Wildcats couldn’t overcome their early deficit. Turnovers at critical moments and missed opportunities late allowed Georgia to sustain its lead down the stretch.
AP Poll Impact and SEC Implications
This upset will almost certainly ripple through the next AP Top 25 women’s college basketball poll, giving Georgia a strong case to climb and potentially vault into the rankings. Monday’s poll release could reflect the strength of this road win, especially over a Top 15 opponent. For Kentucky, the loss may drop the Wildcats out of the Top 25 altogether or at least seed them lower in future considerations. With the SEC’s depth, including other ranked rivals like LSU and South Carolina, every win and loss feels heightened as the league battle intensifies. Georgia’s resume now includes a marquee victory that could matter come NCAA Tournament selection time.
What Comes Next for Both Programs
Looking ahead, Georgia will aim to build drive and string together key wins that solidify its place among the nation’s elite. Head coach’s strategic adjustments and the continued development of players like Carnegie could elevate this squad into a legitimate Final Four conversation. Kentucky, on the other hand, must find solutions to break out of its mini-slump and rediscover the consistency that led to its early-season success. With the SEC grind far from over, both teams have plenty to play for: conference seeding, national positioning, and inches of momentum that define postseason potential. Saturday’s thrilling result reminds fans why women’s college basketball remains one of the sport’s most unpredictable and exciting arenas.
