Happening now: Freshman Jeremiah Fears Shines as No. 14 Oklahoma Upsets No. 11 Georgia in SEC Tournament…
Freshman Jeremiah Fears Shines as No. 14 Oklahoma Upsets No. 11 Georgia in SEC Tournament
In a stunning first-round upset at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) tournament, 14th-seeded Oklahoma took down 11th-seeded Georgia, 81-75, on Wednesday night. Freshman guard Jeremiah Fears stole the show, delivering a career-high 29 points and leading a crucial late run that sealed the victory for the Sooners.
Fears Ignites Oklahoma’s Offense
Oklahoma, a team that struggled through much of the regular season, found a spark in Fears, who showcased his scoring ability on the big stage. The freshman guard was relentless, attacking the basket, knocking down mid-range jumpers, and showing confidence from beyond the arc.
Fears’ late-game heroics were the difference-maker. With the game tied at 68 and under four minutes remaining, he led an 8-0 Sooners run, scoring six of those points himself. Georgia struggled to find an answer, and by the time the Bulldogs regained their composure, it was too late.
“I just trusted my game and stayed aggressive,” Fears said after the win. “Coach told us to play with confidence, and that’s what we did.”
Oklahoma Overcomes Georgia’s Second-Half Surge
The Bulldogs, led by senior guard Justin Hill’s 21 points, had fought back from a double-digit deficit early in the second half. A 12-2 run midway through the period gave Georgia a brief lead, but Oklahoma responded with Fears leading the charge.
The Sooners also benefited from key contributions from senior forward Jalen Moore, who added 14 points and eight rebounds, and sophomore guard Milos Uzan, who chipped in 11 points.
Defense and Free Throws Seal the Win
Oklahoma’s defense clamped down late, forcing Georgia into tough shots and capitalizing on mistakes. The Sooners also made the most of their opportunities at the free-throw line, shooting 85% (17-for-20) while Georgia struggled at 66% (12-for-18).
Georgia head coach Mike White acknowledged his team’s struggles in crunch time. “We had our chances, but we couldn’t get the stops when we needed them,” White said. “Give Oklahoma credit—they made big plays.”
What’s Next for Oklahoma?
With the upset win, Oklahoma advances to the second round of the SEC tournament, where they will face the No. 6 seed, a formidable opponent looking to avoid a similar fate. The Sooners will hope that Fears can replicate his standout performance as they continue their unlikely tournament run.
For Georgia, the loss likely ends their hopes of an NCAA Tournament bid, barring a potential invite to the NIT.
As March Madness unfolds, Oklahoma has proven that anything can happen, and with a rising star like Jeremiah Fears, they might not be done shocking the college basketball world just yet.
