The Florida Gators pulled off a stunning victory over the 18th-ranked Georgia Bulldogs, winning 92-77 in their Southeastern Conference home opener at Exactech Arena in Gainesville on January 6, 2026. This matchup marked a dramatic role reversal, with unranked Florida dominating a highly touted Georgia team led by former Gators coach Mike White, ending a recent skid and boosting team morale.
Game Highlights and Key Moments
Florida started strong but faced early challenges as Georgia pushed back with fast breaks. The Gators built a lead in the second half through sharp shooting and solid defense.
Thomas Haugh led Florida with a double-double, scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. His dunks energized the crowd and shifted momentum.
Georgia’s offense, known for its high tempo, struggled against Florida’s pressure. The Bulldogs shot poorly from three-point range, hitting only 28 percent.
A key turning point came when Georgia’s Somto Cyril got ejected in the first half for a flagrant foul. Florida capitalized with an 8-0 run to close the half ahead 48-36.
The second half saw Florida extend their lead to 20 points at one stretch. Georgia mounted a late comeback but could not close the gap.
Coaching Dynamics and History
Mike White returned to Gainesville for the first time since leaving Florida in 2022. Now in his fourth year at Georgia, White has transformed the Bulldogs into a high-scoring machine, averaging 99.4 points per game this season.
Florida coach Todd Golden praised his team’s resilience after the win. He noted how close losses earlier in the season built character, saying the victory could spark a turnaround.
This game flipped a long trend. The last time unranked Florida faced ranked Georgia was in 1996, a low point that led to major changes for both programs.
White’s tenure at Florida included 142 wins and four NCAA trips, but his slow-paced style drew criticism. At Georgia, his fast-break approach has the Bulldogs at their best start since 1930-31.
Golden, fresh off leading Florida to an NCAA title last season, has dealt with injuries and shooting woes this year. The Gators lost five games by slim margins before this breakthrough.
Player Performances and Stats Breakdown
Florida’s balanced attack overwhelmed Georgia. Guards Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard combined for 35 points, hitting crucial threes in the second half.
Georgia’s Asa Newell scored 18 points, but turnovers hurt the Bulldogs. They committed 15 giveaways, leading to 22 Florida points.
Here is a quick stats comparison:
| Category | Florida Gators | Georgia Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Points | 92 | 77 |
| Field Goal % | 52% | 44% |
| Three-Point % | 38% | 28% |
| Rebounds | 42 | 35 |
| Assists | 18 | 14 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 15 |
Florida dominated the boards and forced errors, key factors in the win.
The Gators shot 52 percent from the field, their best mark in conference play this season. Georgia’s fast pace backfired, as they allowed 27 fast-break points.
Impact on SEC Standings
This win improves Florida to 10-5 overall and 1-1 in SEC play. It snaps a five-game slide in close contests and positions them better for a tournament run.
Georgia drops to 13-2 and 1-1 in the conference. The loss halts their momentum after a thrilling overtime win over Auburn.
Both teams face tough schedules ahead. Florida travels to Kentucky next, while Georgia hosts Tennessee.
Analysts see this as a confidence booster for Florida. With stars like Haugh stepping up, they could climb back into rankings.
Georgia must regroup. Their high-scoring style works against weaker foes but needs tweaks for top SEC defenses.
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
The sold-out crowd at Exactech Arena created an electric vibe. Fans chanted against White, adding to the rivalry’s intensity.
Social media buzzed with praise for Florida’s grit:
- Many highlighted Haugh’s performance as a game-changer.
- Others noted the poetic justice of beating a ranked Georgia after years of dominance.
- Supporters called it a turning point, urging more home wins.
Attendance hit 10,500, one of the largest this season. The student section’s energy helped fuel the comeback.
This game reminded fans of college basketball’s unpredictability. Florida’s upset shows any team can rise on a given night.
Looking Ahead for Both Teams
Florida aims to build on this momentum. Golden plans to focus on shooting drills to fix confidence issues.
Georgia will review film to address defensive lapses. White remains optimistic about their fast style.
In the broader SEC picture, this result shakes up early standings. Teams like Kentucky and Tennessee watch closely.
Fans, share your thoughts on this upset in the comments below. Did Florida’s defense surprise you? Spread the word by sharing this article with fellow basketball enthusiasts.
