Popcorn Fire Delays Georgia-Oklahoma Game, But Sooners Stay Hot in 94-78 Win
Saturday’s matchup between the Georgia Bulldogs and Oklahoma Sooners had all the makings of a solid non-conference showdown - and then things got a little... buttered. Just minutes after tipoff at the Lloyd Noble Center, the game came to an unexpected halt when a popcorn machine at a concession stand caught fire, triggering a brief delay that felt more like a scene from a slapstick comedy than a Division I basketball game.
Yes, you read that right - a popcorn machine. Flames broke out, sprinklers kicked in, and security quickly evacuated fans from the affected area.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the delay lasted only about five minutes. But for those in the building, it was a moment no one will forget anytime soon.
A basketball game paused because the popcorn quite literally got too hot.
Once the smoke cleared - literally - the Sooners turned up the heat on the court.
Oklahoma came out firing after the delay, rolling to a 94-78 win over Georgia in front of a lively home crowd. Tae Davis led the way with a strong all-around performance, putting up 19 points, grabbing five boards, and dishing out three assists. He was efficient, poised, and set the tone early for a Sooners team that looked locked in from the jump.
Nijel Pack wasn’t far behind, contributing 18 points, six rebounds, and three assists of his own. His ability to create off the dribble and find seams in Georgia’s defense was a key part of Oklahoma’s offensive rhythm. The Sooners also got meaningful contributions from Kuol Atak (18 points) and Dayton Forsythe (13 points), showcasing the kind of depth that can make a difference down the stretch of the season.
On the other side, Georgia had its moments offensively, but couldn’t quite keep pace. Blue Cain led the Bulldogs with 20 points, showing off his scoring touch and ability to get to the rim.
Marcus Millender added 16, and Kuol Atak (who had a strong showing despite the loss) chipped in with 18. But defensively, Georgia struggled to contain Oklahoma’s ball movement and perimeter shooting.
With the win, the Sooners improved to 13-12 on the season, building some momentum as they head into the final stretch of regular-season play. They’ve got six games left before March Madness tips off, starting with a road test against Tennessee on Wednesday - a matchup that could prove pivotal for their postseason hopes.
Georgia, now 17-8, will look to regroup after the loss. The Bulldogs have had a solid season overall, but this one will sting - not just for the scoreboard, but for the surreal delay that briefly stole the spotlight.
In the end, the popcorn fire may have grabbed the headlines early, but it was Oklahoma’s offense that truly lit it up.