03/03/26 08:09:00
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03/03 20:08 CST Catchings scores career-high 32 points, Georgia ends No. 16
Alabama's winning streak 98-88
Catchings scores career-high 32 points, Georgia ends No. 16 Alabama's winning
streak 98-88
By PAUL NEWBERRY
Associated Press
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) --- Kanon Catchings scored a career-high 32 points and Georgia
ended No. 16 Alabama's eight-game winning streak with a 98-88 victory Tuesday
night.
Catchings ignited the Bulldogs (21-9, 9-8 Southeastern Conference) with 20
points before halftime, leading their fourth win in five games. He was 7 of 13
from 3-point range and delivered a signature highlight with a behind-the-back
pass to Somto Cyril for a thunderous slam.
Heading into its final home game of the season, Georgia had likely done enough
to clinch its second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. But tacking a sixth
Quad 1 win onto the resume surely sealed a berth in the 68-team field.
The Bulldogs also reached the most regular-season victories since the 2001-02
team went 21-8 under Jim Harrick.
The Crimson Tide (22-8, 12-5) wasted a chance to bolster its seeding for the
tournament, despite a spirited back-and-forth down the stretch as the teams
traded 3 after 3. Labaron Philon Jr. led Alabama with 26 points.
Catchings, a transfer from BYU in his first season at Georgia, easily eclipsed
is previous college best of 23 points.
Thee Bulldogs never trailed after a 12-0 run in the first half, sparked by
their defense and Catchings at the offensive end.
Blue Cain turned a steal into a layup, Catchings dunked one off another steal,
and a third steal by Jeremiah Wilkinson led to Catchings knocking down a
3-pointer. The sophomore forward scored eight straight points in the spurt,
hitting another trey that was set up by an offensive rebound.
Georgia led 50-43 at halftime after Catchings swished his fourth trey on the
period just ahead of the buzzer. The frustration of Alabama coach Nate Oats
boiled over when he was assessed a technical as his team was heading up court
after a Georgia miss.
Down the stretch, the thrilling game was marred by several delays because of a
malfunctioning scoreboard.
Up next
Alabama: Returns home Saturday to close out the regular season against rival
Auburn.
Georgia: Finishes up the regular season at Mississippi State on Saturday.
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