Georgia 81, Auburn 72

Published Feb. 5, 2011 9:24 p.m. ET

foxsports

Jeremy Price matched his career high with 22 points and Georgia overcame a 30-point explosion by Auburn's Earnest Ross to beat the Tigers 81-72 in overtime on Saturday.

Ross, who topped his previous career high by eight points, had Auburn's only five points in the extra period, including his fifth 3-pointer.

Georgia's Dustin Ware had five of his seven points in the overtime period, including a basket for a 73-72 lead the Bulldogs would not lose.

Travis Leslie had 20 points and Trey Thompkins had 16 for Georgia (16-6, 5-4 Southeastern Conference). Price set a career high with 14 rebounds.

Kenny Gabriel added 11 points for Auburn (8-15, 1-8).

Georgia's biggest lead was eight points at 60-52, but the Bulldogs could never pull away.

With Georgia leading 66-63 in the final minute, Gabriel missed a 3-pointer. Gerald Robinson made one free throw for Georgia before Ross scored to cut Georgia's lead to 67-65 with 14 seconds remaining.

A steal and basket by Ross tied the score with 10 seconds remaining. Robinson missed a late layup for Georgia, and Leslie's tip-in at the buzzer was waved off by officials.

Auburn's only conference win came at South Carolina in its last road game on Jan. 29. One week later, the Tigers played with confidence, making a comeback after trailing 33-24 in the first half.

Josh Wallace and Josh Langford hit back-to-back 3-pointers as Auburn finished the first half strong to trail 38-34 at the break.

The Tigers pulled even at 38-all by scoring the first two baskets of the second half. Georgia coach Mark Fox called a quick timeout barely a minute into the half, and the Bulldogs answered with two straight jams by Price.

Gabriel and Ross each had two 3-pointers in the first 12 minutes of the second half to keep Auburn close.

Georgia led only 60-59 when Denson missed two free throws, spoiling Auburn's chance to pull even or take the lead.

Price also had 22 points as a freshman against Tulane on Dec. 21, 2007. He had 20 points in Georgia's opener against Mississippi Valley State on Nov. 12 and hadn't reached the mark since.