Georgia Men’s Basketball Overpowers Vanderbilt 79-68 for Senior Day Win

In a thrilling and emotional Senior Day matchup, the University of Georgia men’s basketball team delivered a dominant performance to defeat the Vanderbilt Commodores, 79-68, on March 9, 2025, at Stegeman Coliseum. The Bulldogs not only secured the win, but they also honored their seniors in front of a raucous home crowd, ensuring a memorable conclusion to the regular season.

This victory was particularly significant for Georgia, as it not only marked a successful Senior Day celebration but also came as a statement performance as they prepared for the postseason. With the win, Georgia improved to 17-14 on the season, while Vanderbilt fell to 15-16, still looking for consistency heading into their own postseason push.

The Scene at Stegeman Coliseum

Stegeman Coliseum was packed with eager Bulldogs fans, who were ready to celebrate their seniors and send them off in style. The atmosphere was electric, with fans donning red and black, rallying behind their team as they looked to cap off the regular season with a win. For the senior class—guard Jacob Harris, forward Malcolm Grant, and center Omar Williams—this would be their final appearance in Athens, and they were determined to make it a game to remember.

Before the game tipped off, the Bulldogs took time to honor their seniors in a heartfelt ceremony. Fans gave a standing ovation as Harris, Grant, and Williams walked onto the court, accompanied by their families. It was a moment of reflection and appreciation for the contributions these players had made over the years. But once the ball was thrown into the air, the ceremony was quickly forgotten, as both teams dove headfirst into what would become a high-stakes, thrilling contest.

Senior Day Energy Fuels Georgia’s Hot Start

From the very beginning, Georgia came out firing on all cylinders. The Bulldogs’ offense clicked early, with guard Jacob Harris—one of the team’s most experienced players—leading the charge. Harris showcased his veteran leadership by hitting a quick three-pointer in the opening minutes, setting the tone for what would become an explosive first half.

Vanderbilt, on the other hand, was slow to find its rhythm. The Commodores struggled with turnovers and missed shots, particularly from beyond the arc, as they tried to match the Bulldogs’ pace. Georgia’s defense, which had been a strong suit throughout the season, was suffocating, and Vanderbilt’s offensive struggles were compounded by Georgia’s ability to capitalize on fast breaks and forced turnovers.

Harris’ early three-pointer was followed by several other key contributions from Georgia’s seniors, who were all motivated to go out with a bang. Malcolm Grant added a pair of impressive layups, showcasing his agility and finish around the basket, while Omar Williams was a force inside, grabbing crucial rebounds and providing a defensive presence down low. Williams’ ability to alter shots in the paint and keep Vanderbilt’s big men in check was a significant factor in Georgia’s dominance early on.

The Bulldogs’ offensive strategy was clear—they were pushing the ball up the floor quickly, trying to keep the Commodores on their heels. The pace of play suited Georgia’s style, and their shooting from the field was efficient. Georgia finished the first half shooting 50% from the floor, including a respectable 40% from three-point range, while holding Vanderbilt to just 35% shooting. As the first half progressed, the Bulldogs built a solid lead, and by halftime, Georgia was up by 10 points, 40-30.

Vanderbilt Fights Back, But Georgia Holds Firm

While Georgia appeared to be in control at halftime, Vanderbilt was far from ready to give up. The Commodores came out of the break with renewed energy, looking to cut into the deficit and make a push for the win. Head coach Jerry Stackhouse made a few adjustments, and Vanderbilt’s offense began to find a bit more rhythm.

Led by guard Tyron Green, who had been quiet in the first half, the Commodores started to hit shots. Green connected on a couple of timely three-pointers, and forward Donovan Ford began to assert himself inside. Vanderbilt’s defense also began to tighten, forcing several key turnovers that led to fast-break points. With 12 minutes remaining in the game, the Commodores had trimmed Georgia’s lead to just four points, 54-50, and it appeared the game was heading toward a dramatic finish.

But just as quickly as Vanderbilt mounted its comeback, Georgia’s seniors stepped up to reassert control. Jacob Harris hit another clutch three-pointer to push the lead back to seven points, and Omar Williams continued to dominate the boards, collecting key rebounds to limit Vanderbilt’s second-chance opportunities. Georgia’s defense was also key in stalling Vanderbilt’s momentum. The Bulldogs rotated well, forcing Vanderbilt into contested shots, and when the Commodores did manage to get off a clean look, Georgia’s shot-blocking presence stifled them at the rim.

With just under 5 minutes to go, Georgia’s lead was back up to double digits. Malcolm Grant provided a few timely baskets, and freshman guard Dylan Evans—who had been a consistent presence all season—made some key contributions off the bench, including hitting a critical three-pointer to keep Vanderbilt at bay. Evans’ performance was vital for Georgia as he provided a spark when the team needed it most.

As the final minutes ticked off the clock, the game’s outcome was no longer in doubt. Georgia held a 12-point lead with under a minute to go, and the Bulldogs fans were already celebrating in the stands, knowing their team had sealed a crucial Senior Day victory.

Key Contributors for Georgia

While it was a total team effort, there were several standout performances that helped propel Georgia to victory. The seniors—Harris, Grant, and Williams—were outstanding, each playing an integral role in the win.

• Jacob Harris led the Bulldogs with 19 points, including three three-pointers, and played a key role in both the offense and defense. His veteran presence on the court was crucial, particularly in managing the game’s tempo and keeping Vanderbilt at arm’s length when they mounted a challenge.
• Malcolm Grant added 16 points, showcasing his driving ability and scoring efficiently around the basket. Grant’s ability to create opportunities for himself and his teammates was a highlight, especially when Georgia needed a bucket to stave off Vanderbilt’s comeback efforts.
• Omar Williams was a defensive force in the paint, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while also contributing two blocks. His ability to control the glass and protect the rim was vital in limiting Vanderbilt’s offensive efficiency.
• Dylan Evans, the freshman guard, chipped in 14 points off the bench, providing a spark for Georgia’s offense in crucial moments. His three-pointer late in the game helped solidify the Bulldogs’ lead.

As a team, Georgia finished with 22 assists on 31 field goals, showing excellent ball movement and sharing the scoring load. The Bulldogs shot 49% from the floor and 35% from three-point range, while their defense stifled Vanderbilt’s attempts to get into any kind of rhythm.

Vanderbilt’s Struggles and Bright Spots

For Vanderbilt, it was a game of missed opportunities. Despite a solid second-half push, the Commodores were undone by turnovers, poor shooting, and inability to handle Georgia’s pressure. Vanderbilt’s shooting was particularly problematic, as they finished the game shooting just 42% from the field and 29% from three-point range. They were also out-rebounded by Georgia, 39-27, which further hindered their ability to gain an advantage.

Tyron Green was the bright spot for Vanderbilt, finishing with 19 points, including several key three-pointers in the second half. Forward Donovan Ford added 14 points and 7 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to carry the Commodores to victory.

Vanderbilt’s head coach, Jerry Stackhouse, acknowledged that while his team showed fight in the second half, they couldn’t overcome their slow start and lack of consistency. “We dug ourselves a hole in the first half, and you can’t afford to do that on the road against a team like Georgia,” Stackhouse said after the game. “They’re a good team, and we just didn’t make enough plays when we needed to.”

Looking Ahead for Georgia

With the win, Georgia enters the postseason on a high note, having secured a Senior Day victory in front of their home crowd. As they prepare for the SEC Tournament, the Bulldogs are buoyed by the strong performance of their senior class and the contributions from their younger players. Georgia’s success in the tournament could hinge on their ability to play consistent defense and continue sharing the ball effectively.

Head coach Tom Crean was pleased with his team’s performance but remained focused on the bigger picture. “This win was important for our seniors, but we’ve got to keep our eyes on the postseason,” Crean said. “We’ve got a talented group, and if we continue to play with the energy and intensity we showed today, we can be dangerous in the SEC Tournament.”

Georgia’s 79-68 victory over Vanderbilt on Senior Day was a statement win for the Bulldogs as they enter the postseason. The seniors led the way, and the team as a whole played with poise and intensity, holding off a late Vanderbilt charge to secure a key victory. With the SEC Tournament looming, Georgia will look to carry this momentum into the postseason, hoping to make a deep run and possibly secure an NCAA Tournament bid.

For the seniors, it was the perfect send-off—one that showcased their growth, leadership, and determination. As they head into the next chapter of their basketball careers, they can take pride in knowing they helped lead Georgia to a memorable Senior Day victory.