On a brisk Thursday afternoon in Oxford, Mississippi, the Georgia Lady Bulldogs squared off against the 15th-ranked Ole Miss Rebels at the SJB Pavilion, aiming to notch a statement win to kick off the new year. Instead, the Lady Bulldogs found themselves on the wrong side of a 79-62 decision, as Ole Miss showcased their depth, athleticism, and relentless tempo to pull away in the second half. The loss drops Georgia’s record as they prepare for a crucial stretch of SEC play, while Ole Miss continues to cement its status as a conference contender.
Georgia entered the contest with confidence, having played competitive basketball in recent weeks. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading buckets and defensive stops. At the break, the Lady Bulldogs trailed by just a single point, 34-33, suggesting that the game could go either way. But as the third quarter unfolded, Ole Miss turned up the heat, outscoring Georgia 28-15 in that pivotal stretch and seizing control of the game. The Rebels’ ability to shift gears after halftime proved decisive, leaving Georgia scrambling to keep pace.
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for the Lady Bulldogs. Sophomore Dani Carnegie put forth a career-best performance, pouring in a season-high 24 points. It marked her sixth game this season with at least 20 points, highlighting her emergence as a consistent offensive threat. Carnegie’s scoring touch kept Georgia in the hunt during the first half and gave the Rebels’ defense fits. "Dani has been a spark for us all year," said Georgia head coach in recent comments. "She’s fearless, and tonight she showed just how much she can impact a game."
Carnegie wasn’t the only Bulldog to make her mark. Sophomore guard Trinity Turner continued her impressive run, tallying 16 points—her fourth double-digit scoring effort of the season. Turner’s speed and shooting ability have become vital assets for Georgia, especially as the team navigates a challenging SEC schedule. However, the supporting cast struggled to find consistent offense, and the Lady Bulldogs’ bench was largely held in check by Ole Miss’s aggressive defense.
For Ole Miss, the story was all about balance and execution. The Rebels had five players score in double figures, a testament to their depth and unselfish play. Cotie McMahon led the way with 24 points, matching Carnegie’s output and providing a steady scoring presence throughout the afternoon. Ole Miss’s ability to spread the ball around and get contributions from multiple players made them tough to defend. The Rebels also dominated the glass, out-rebounding Georgia 41-29—a margin that allowed them to control tempo and generate second-chance opportunities.
Statistically, the game offered a tale of two halves. Georgia shot an impressive 47.3% from the field, but their three-point shooting faltered at just 25%, and free throw accuracy lagged at 63.6%. Ole Miss, meanwhile, shot 40.3% from the floor but excelled at the line, converting 85.7% of their free throws. The Rebels’ ability to capitalize on Georgia’s fouls and their own offensive rebounds proved crucial, especially as they built their lead in the third quarter.
Turnovers were another key factor. Georgia coughed up the ball 16 times, compared to just 10 turnovers for Ole Miss. Those extra possessions allowed the Rebels to push the pace and dictate the flow of the game. Defensively, Ole Miss also recorded six steals to Georgia’s four, further underscoring their aggressive approach on both ends of the court.
Looking ahead, Georgia faces little time to dwell on the defeat. The Lady Bulldogs will return to Athens for their SEC home opener against Texas A&M on Sunday, January 4. The matchup will be broadcast live on SEC Network+, with tip-off set for 2 p.m. The quick turnaround presents an opportunity for Georgia to regroup and address the issues that plagued them in Oxford. "We know what we need to work on," said Carnegie. "We’ll be ready for Texas A&M."
While the Lady Bulldogs are focused on the hardwood, Georgia’s football program is also at the center of attention as they prepare for a high-stakes rematch against the Ole Miss Rebels. The anticipation is palpable among Bulldog fans, with plenty of storylines to watch heading into the contest. One major concern is the status of Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy, who was held to his lowest production by Georgia in their previous meeting and recently left the Tulane CFP game with an injury. The Rebels’ offense, however, remains potent behind quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who has emerged as a dual-threat star—averaging over 312 passing yards per game and tallying eight rushing touchdowns this season.
The matchup promises fireworks, as Ole Miss boasts five receivers with at least 35 catches, including tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who has more receptions than Georgia’s Oscar Delp and Lawson Luckie combined. The Rebels’ quick-tempo offense leads the nation in first downs gained and is second in plays from scrimmage of at least 10 yards, while also topping the charts in 30+ yard plays. Their ability to generate big gains and sustain long drives puts immense pressure on opposing defenses.
Georgia’s defense, which has allowed less than two yards per carry and no rushing scores in its last four games, will be tested—especially with key contributors missing. Defensive back Joenel Aguero, who was the second leading tackler in the last meeting, is officially out for the upcoming game. Additionally, Gabe Harris’s injury means that CJ Allen, Raylen Wilson, and others will have to step up to fill crucial defensive roles. The Bulldogs’ ability to adapt and communicate quickly will be vital, given Ole Miss’s fast-paced attack and penchant for chunk plays.
Despite the challenges, Georgia’s recent defensive form offers hope. Since their previous clash with Ole Miss on October 18, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss has thrown for over 290 yards per game with 11 touchdowns and only two interceptions, leading the Rebels to six consecutive wins by an average margin of 22 points. Yet, Georgia’s defense has a knack for rising to the occasion, confusing Chambliss in their last meeting and forcing a late-game collapse that secured the win. The stakes are even higher this time, with both teams eyeing postseason glory.
As the Lady Bulldogs look to bounce back on the basketball court and the football team gears up for another showdown with Ole Miss, Georgia fans have plenty to cheer—and worry—about. The coming days promise high drama, intense competition, and the kind of storylines that make college sports so compelling. Whether it’s Carnegie lighting up the scoreboard or Allen anchoring the defense, the Bulldogs will need every ounce of grit and determination to emerge victorious in their respective battles.
For now, the Lady Bulldogs will regroup and set their sights on Texas A&M, eager to turn the page and get back in the win column. Meanwhile, all eyes remain on the gridiron, where another chapter in the Georgia-Ole Miss rivalry is about to unfold. One thing’s for certain: in Athens and Oxford alike, the stage is set for a thrilling start to 2026.
