ATHENS, Georgia – In a stunning upset, the Georgia Bulldogs secured their biggest win of the season against No. 3 Florida on Tuesday night at Stegeman Coliseum. Holding a 26-point lead at one point, the Bulldogs managed to fend off a late comeback by the Gators to claim an 88-83 victory. This marked Georgia’s first win over a top-3 opponent since 2004 and their third Quad 1 win of the season.
Throughout the game, Georgia dominated, starting with a 39-13 run in the first half that set the tone for the rest of the night. Despite Florida’s efforts to close the gap in the second half, Georgia’s resilience and key plays down the stretch allowed them to secure the win. Silas Demary led the Bulldogs with 21 points, supported by Asa Newell with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Blue Cain with 12 points and six rebounds.
On the other hand, Florida struggled to catch up, with Will Richard scoring 30 points and Walter Clayton Jr. adding 18 points. However, the Gators’ poor performance at the free throw line, shooting just 18-of-29, ultimately contributed to their downfall. This loss marked the first for Florida since falling to then-No. 8 Tennessee earlier in the month, bringing their season record to 24-4.
Despite Georgia’s previous struggles in conference play, the victory over Florida improved their overall record to 17-11 and kept their hopes alive for a spot in the NCAA tournament. With strong performances in the remaining games, including potential upsets at the SEC tournament, the Bulldogs have a shot at securing their first NCAA tournament bid in a decade. The win against Florida undoubtedly boosts their chances and solidifies their position as contenders in the postseason.