North Carolina at Georgia

Recap

The Big Storyline: Georgia finally broke the 197 barrier to pull out a win against North Carolina and former head coach Danna Durante.

Implications: With its score here, Georgia is now mathematically locked into making regionals, but it still sits well out of the seeded positions and at the bottom of the SEC. North Carolina was able to drop a 195.325 from its NQS, putting the Tar Heels in a bit more comfortable position heading into the conference championship.

Records: North Carolina’s 196.475 here was a program-best road score against an SEC opponent. Haley De Jong set a career best 9.950 on beam while teammate Alyssa Perez-Lugones set a career high 9.925 on floor.

Preview

Current Rankings: No. 34 North Carolina at No. 24 Georgia

Why You Should Cancel Plans for It: North Carolina head coach Danna Durante returns to Athens for the first time to face her former team. While the Tar Heels are the underdogs, they go into the meet with something to prove—can they pull off the upset?

What We’re Watching: Georgia is the higher ranked team and competing at home, but with multiple 196s this season, North Carolina has shown it is capable of the upset. If Georgia has another shaky rotation on bars or beam, North Carolina could easily capitalize on the mistakes.

What Else You Should Know Before Tuning In: North Carolina’s freshman star Lali Dekanoidze went down with an injury two weeks ago, but the Tar Heels were able to overcome the setback, scoring a 196.475 this past weekend.