In the SEC Tournament, the Lady Bulldogs defeated Arkansas, ruining Izzy Higginbottom’s 38-point effort.

In a thrilling showdown during the 2025 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, the Georgia Lady Bulldogs secured a hard-fought victory over the Arkansas Razorbacks, derailing an extraordinary individual performance from Arkansas’ Izzy Higginbottom, who poured in an impressive 38 points. While Higginbottom’s scoring outburst was undoubtedly the highlight for the Razorbacks, the Lady Bulldogs’ defensive resilience, team-oriented play, and late-game execution were ultimately the deciding factors in their 85-78 triumph.

This game was not only a test of individual brilliance but also a showcase of the depth and determination of the Georgia Lady Bulldogs, who rallied in the second half to overcome a significant deficit and secure their place in the next round of the tournament. As both teams fought for a spot in the semifinals, this matchup underscored the unpredictable nature of postseason basketball and the importance of teamwork and composure under pressure.

The Stage: SEC Tournament Atmosphere

The SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, held annually in Greenville, South Carolina, is a stage where the best teams in the conference converge to battle for supremacy. The competition is fierce, and every game carries the weight of not only tournament seeding but also the opportunity to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. For both the Georgia Lady Bulldogs and the Arkansas Razorbacks, the stakes were high, as each team had hopes of making a deep run and enhancing their chances of a favorable seeding come Selection Sunday.

With a strong regular season record and an ever-growing fanbase, Georgia entered the SEC Tournament with high expectations. Arkansas, on the other hand, was riding the wave of a successful season, with a balanced roster and the individual brilliance of Higginbottom leading the charge. This matchup between two talented teams, however, quickly turned into a contest of individual heroics versus collective team effort.

The Razorbacks’ Early Surge: Izzy Higginbottom’s Historic Performance

From the tip-off, it was clear that Arkansas was ready to play. They came out with an aggressive mindset, particularly through the efforts of their star player, Izzy Higginbottom. The junior guard was a force to be reckoned with from the opening quarter, showcasing her elite scoring ability and ability to create opportunities for herself and her teammates. With each drive to the basket, jump shot, and three-pointer, Higginbottom put the Lady Bulldogs on notice that this game would be a challenge.

Higginbottom’s 38-point performance was a standout in its own right. She displayed an array of offensive skills, hitting deep three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and finishing with finesse at the rim. Her ability to make difficult shots in clutch moments had Georgia’s defenders scrambling to contain her. By the end of the third quarter, Higginbottom had already amassed 30 points, including a scorching 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. It seemed as though the game could be slipping away from Georgia, as the Razorbacks’ offensive rhythm was primarily dictated by Higginbottom’s dynamic play.

But while Arkansas had Higginbottom, the Lady Bulldogs knew that basketball was a team game, and individual brilliance would only take them so far. Arkansas had a significant lead for much of the contest, but they would soon find out that Georgia’s collective resolve would be the ultimate obstacle.

Georgia’s Response: Defensive Adjustments and Offensive Execution

Throughout the first half, Georgia’s defense seemed unable to keep up with the brilliance of Higginbottom. The Lady Bulldogs struggled to contain her movement on the court, and Arkansas capitalized on the mismatch with a flurry of fast breaks and ball movement. The Razorbacks built a substantial lead, but Georgia head coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, known for her defensive-minded approach, quickly adjusted.

At halftime, Abrahamson-Henderson made several key changes to her defense, switching to a more aggressive full-court press and trying to trap Higginbottom in the half-court to limit her opportunities. This change in strategy initially left the Razorbacks’ offense floundering, as Georgia started to cut into their lead. By pressuring Arkansas’ backcourt and forcing difficult passes, the Lady Bulldogs were able to disrupt the Razorbacks’ offensive flow.

In addition to defensive adjustments, Georgia also began to find its offensive rhythm. Senior guard Jillian Hollingshead became a central figure for the Lady Bulldogs, leading the charge with steady play and poise under pressure. Hollingshead’s ability to penetrate the defense and kick out to her teammates for open shots proved to be key in swinging the momentum in Georgia’s favor. Her 20 points and 8 assists were critical, and she often found herself distributing the ball to sophomore guard Sarah Ashlee Barker and senior forward Jenna Staiti, who each contributed vital points down the stretch.

Georgia’s offense was anchored by its strong inside presence, with Staiti dominating the paint. Her size and rebounding prowess allowed Georgia to control the boards, limiting Arkansas to one shot per possession. This allowed the Lady Bulldogs to get out in transition and score easy buckets, chipping away at the Razorbacks’ lead and slowly getting back into the game.

As the second half progressed, Georgia’s defensive strategy started to pay dividends. With a combination of stifling defense and efficient offensive execution, the Lady Bulldogs managed to tighten the game, reducing Arkansas’ once-commanding lead. But still, Higginbottom was playing at an exceptional level, keeping Arkansas in the game and refusing to let Georgia pull away.

The Turning Point: Georgia’s Late-Game Surge

Entering the final quarter, the tension in the arena was palpable. With both teams playing at an elite level, it seemed as though this game would come down to the final few possessions. Arkansas still held a slim lead, but Georgia’s relentless defensive effort and balanced offensive play began to give them the edge.

The turning point came with just over five minutes left in the game. After a key defensive stop by Georgia, the Lady Bulldogs found themselves in transition. A fast break led to a pinpoint assist from Hollingshead to Barker, who drained a crucial three-pointer to give Georgia their first lead of the game since the first quarter. The crowd erupted as the momentum shifted toward the Lady Bulldogs, and Arkansas began to feel the pressure.

Higginbottom, who had carried her team for so long, was visibly fatigued. The constant defensive pressure from Georgia and the lack of support from her teammates in the final stretch began to wear on her. Arkansas’ offense slowed, and Georgia took full advantage. Staiti, in particular, stepped up during this pivotal moment, scoring on back-to-back possessions in the paint. Her dominant inside presence was too much for the Razorbacks to overcome, and Georgia began to pull away.

With less than two minutes to go, Georgia’s defense once again tightened, forcing Arkansas into difficult shot attempts. Higginbottom, despite her incredible performance, was unable to make the necessary plays to bring her team back. Georgia’s lead continued to grow, and as the final buzzer sounded, the Lady Bulldogs had secured an 85-78 victory, moving on to the next round of the SEC Tournament.

The Aftermath: Georgia’s Victory and Izzy Higginbottom’s Heroic Effort

The win was an emotional one for the Lady Bulldogs. After facing a significant challenge from a talented Arkansas team led by the remarkable Higginbottom, Georgia showed their resilience and never-say-die attitude. The Lady Bulldogs’ ability to adjust defensively, along with their balanced offensive attack, proved to be the difference.

For Arkansas, the game was a bitter pill to swallow. Despite Higginbottom’s Herculean effort, the Razorbacks were unable to close out the game. While Higginbottom’s 38 points were a testament to her individual brilliance, basketball is a team sport, and Arkansas simply could not match Georgia’s collective team play when it mattered most.

Postgame, the attention was naturally drawn to Higginbottom’s performance. Her 38-point outing was the most by an Arkansas player in the SEC Tournament in recent memory, and while it was an extraordinary effort, it wasn’t enough to carry her team past the Lady Bulldogs. In interviews, Higginbottom expressed her pride in her performance but acknowledged that basketball is a team game and that the Razorbacks would need to regroup and learn from the experience.

For Georgia, the victory was a testament to their coaching staff’s ability to make adjustments and to the players’ determination and grit. Coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson praised her team for their resilience and focus, particularly in the second half when the game was on the line. “We didn’t let the individual brilliance of Izzy Higginbottom dictate the outcome. We came together as a team, made the necessary adjustments, and executed when it mattered most,” she said in her postgame press conference.

Looking Ahead: Georgia’s Path to the SEC Title

With the win over Arkansas, Georgia advanced to the semifinals of the SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, where they would face another tough opponent. The Lady Bulldogs were gaining momentum at just the right time, and with the tournament moving into the later rounds, they had the confidence of a team capable of competing for the SEC title.

Georgia’s victory over Arkansas was a statement win, showing that while individual brilliance can shine on the big stage, it’s ultimately the team that succeeds in the postseason. The Lady Bulldogs had proven that they were more than capable of handling adversity and stepping up when the pressure was on. Now, with their sights set on the championship, Georgia was ready to continue their quest for SEC glory and a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.