Georgia pulled off its biggest win of the season Tuesday night, shaking up the SEC standings and keeping its postseason hopes alive. The Bulldogs held off a late comeback attempt to upset No. 3 Florida, 88-83, at Stegeman Coliseum. It was Georgia’s first victory over a top-three opponent in more than two decades, sparking wild celebrations in Athens.
A Dream Start Turns Into a Nail-Biter
The Bulldogs wasted no time setting the tone. They stormed out of the gates with a relentless 39-13 run, stunning Florida and building a commanding 26-point lead. The Gators looked overwhelmed early, struggling to find any rhythm against Georgia’s aggressive defense and efficient shooting. By halftime, Florida had managed to trim the deficit to 16, but the damage had already been done.
Momentum, however, is a fickle thing. The Gators slowly chipped away at the lead in the second half, leaning on their experience and top-tier talent. Georgia’s early dominance began to fade, and with less than 90 seconds remaining, Florida’s Tomas Haugh converted a layup to give the Gators their first lead of the night. Stegeman Coliseum fell silent.
Blue Cain’s Ice-Cold Three Seals the Win
If Florida thought it had completed the comeback, Blue Cain had other plans. With the pressure at its peak, the Georgia freshman drained a clutch three-pointer from the wing, instantly flipping the energy back in Georgia’s favor. That shot not only erased Florida’s brief lead but also effectively shut the door on any hopes of a Gators escape.
Cain had only taken one shot from deep all night—but when it mattered most, he delivered. His dagger from beyond the arc sent the crowd into a frenzy and secured Georgia’s five-point victory.
Standout Performances on Both Sides
Silas Demary was the offensive catalyst for Georgia, leading the team with 21 points. Asa Newell provided crucial support with 15 points and eight rebounds, while Cain finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and the night’s most memorable shot.
On the other side, Florida’s Will Richard put up a valiant effort, dropping a game-high 30 points and grabbing five rebounds. Walter Clayton Jr. added 18 points, but the Gators’ inefficiency at the free-throw line—hitting just 18 of 29 attempts—proved costly in such a tight game.
NCAA Tournament Implications
For Georgia, this win could be a game-changer. Sitting on the NCAA tournament bubble, the Bulldogs desperately needed a signature victory to bolster their resume. Beating a top-three team in the nation does exactly that.
Here’s a look at how Georgia’s key wins stack up:
| Opponent | Ranking at Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | No. 3 | 88-83 W |
| Auburn | No. 12 | 76-72 W |
| Tennessee | No. 9 | 81-79 W |
With three Quad 1 wins now on their resume, the Bulldogs have significantly strengthened their case for an at-large tournament bid. If they can build on this momentum in the final stretch of SEC play, their path to March Madness looks a lot clearer.
Florida, meanwhile, will have to regroup quickly. Despite their high ranking, this loss could cost them a potential No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. They’ll need a strong response in their next few games to maintain their standing among the nation’s elite.
