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Mike White on concerns of Georgia spiraling after losses: 'Not worried about that at all'

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•02/01/24•

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NCAA Basketball: Georgia at South Carolina
Jan 16, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Mike White directs his team against the South Carolina Gamecocks before the game at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia looked like they were going to coast to a victory on Alabama, nearly being up by 20 points at one point in the second half. But Mike White saw his team fall apart, with the Crimson Tide leaving Athens with a huge come-from-behind win. Nate Oats will head back to Tuscaloosa really proud while White is scratching his head a bit.

Wednesday marked the second loss in a row for Georgia and the third in four games. White was asked if he was worried about the defeats beginning to spiral for the Bulldogs, dismissing the idea. In his eyes, the world is not ending because they lost to one of the best teams in college basketball per the metrics.

“These guys will keep fighting,” White said. “I’m not worried about that at all. This was a top-10 NET opportunity. It’s not like we just gave up a lead to a mid-major opponent or an inferior opponent.”

Alabama is currently the No. 7 team in the NET rankings and only Tennessee is ahead of them from an SEC perspective. The Crimson Tide have been able to build on wins and are currently sitting in sole possession of first place in the conference standings.

Sure, maybe it’s a game Georgia was expected to lose on the outside walking into the arena. But after having the big lead in front of a nice home Stegeman Arena, White certainly would have enjoyed seeing his team earn a big win.

One area White will not knock his team is the effort department. Georgia is out there trying its best, the execution is just falling a little short.

“I think our guys feel good about the way we play for 20, 25 (minutes) and the way we continue to fight down the stretch,” White said. “We play with a lot of heart considering what’s been going on around this facility the last few days… They swung away. Our guys play really hard. Just got to play better.”

Georgia will be back on the court Saturday against South Carolina. Not too long ago, the Bulldogs were able to get a win in Columbia with the reverse fixture now taking place in Athens. It’s another great opportunity for a statement win from an NCAA Tournament perspective.

White loves the energy and effort on the court, putting in a few good shifts. At some point though, the results have to start stacking up and he fully believes they will.