WATCH: Auburn narrowly escapes upset with clutch basket against Georgia

The No. 1 team in the country almost went down, as the Auburn Tigers had their backs against the wall against the Georgia Bulldogs. However, guard Wendell Green Jr. wasn’t going to let his team down.

FOR THE LEAD!!! #WarEagle pic.twitter.com/fgN8CClZSQ

— Auburn Basketball 🦚 (@AuburnMBB) February 5, 2022

As the clock neared zero, Green Jr. drove into the paint. Among the trees, the guard found a way to get the ball in the hoop. The score ended up being the game-winning shot for the Tigers.

With 2:34 remaining in the first half, Georgia watched Auburn race out to a 15-point lead. The Tigers expected to win, and it looked like they were on their way to doing so. Then, the Bulldogs showed their heart — cutting the lead to 12 before half and taking charge in the second half. The Bulldogs outscored the Tigers 42-30 in the second half, but it wasn’t enough.

Moreover, Green Jr. added 19 points and five rebounds to the Tigers’ cause. Additionally, Auburn was led by guard K.D. Johnson’s 20 points, and center Walker Kessler adding 10 points, as well.

Leading the way for Georgia was guard Kario Oquendo, who scored a whopping 25 points for the Bulldogs. Additionally, he was aided by guard Braelen Bridges (14 points) and forward Jaxon Etter (13 points) in finding victory.

After halftime, it was evident whatever Georgia coach Tom Crean told his team in the locker room worked. The Bulldogs were outworking, outrunning and outshooting the Tigers. It was a completely different game. But it wasn’t enough to pull the upset.

Now, the Bulldogs have seen their signature win fall from their grasps. This one will live on for awhile, but Auburn faithful will enjoy the victory.

More on Auburn Tigers, Georgia Bulldogs

Auburn defeated Georgia handily in their first matchup, but the Bulldogs gave them a scare in their quest for revenge. Auburn’s 83-60 drubbing of the Bulldogs from earlier in January was close to being avenged, but the Tigers stood strong.

Next up for the Bulldogs, Georgia has Florida and South Carolina on the docket. Then, they face No. 25 LSU in their next game against a ranked squad. The Bulldogs will be looking to pull some upsets.

As for the Tigers, Bruce Pearl will have to keep the Tigers on track. Next up for Auburn is a showdown on the road against Arkansas, featuring one of the most dangerous guards in college basketball in JD Notae. Then, the Tigers welcome ESPN’s College GameDay to town, a showdown with Texas A&M taking place from Auburn Arena.

Georgia was close to jubilation, but the feeling is reserved for the Tigers. In Athens, heartbreak is the word of the day for the Bulldogs.