In a game filled with wild momentum swings, Georgia guard Blue Cain delivered the knockout blow, sinking a go-ahead 3-pointer with 47 seconds remaining as the Bulldogs stunned No. 3 Florida 88-83 on Tuesday night.
Georgia (17-11, 5-10 SEC) led by as many as 26 points in the first half, but Florida (24-4, 11-4) stormed back with a furious rally. The Gators used a 13-0 run to erase a late 78-67 deficit, taking their first lead at 80-78 on Thomas Haugh’s layup with 1:28 left. However, Cain’s clutch shot ended the run and sparked Georgia’s closing push, helping the Bulldogs secure a statement win that significantly bolsters their NCAA Tournament hopes.
The victory snapped Georgia’s 12-game losing streak against Florida and marked a milestone for head coach Mike White, who picked up his first win over his former team after six consecutive losses.
Despite a dominant first half by Georgia, Florida battled back behind a career-high 30 points from Will Richard. The Gators, known for their resilience, had just pulled off a comeback win over LSU last Saturday, but their magic ran out in the final minute in Athens.
Silas Demary Jr. led Georgia with 21 points, while freshman forward Asa Newell added 15. Tyrin Lawrence chipped in 14 points in his return from a hamstring injury, and Cain’s late heroics capped off his 12-point night.
Georgia fans, eager to celebrate their first victory over Florida since March 2, 2019, complied with the public address announcer’s request to allow Florida’s team and officials 90 seconds to exit before storming the court. The celebration marked a signature moment in what could be a defining win for the Bulldogs’ postseason aspirations.
Sophomore forward Alex Condon returned from a four-game absence due to an ankle sprain, contributing nine points. The Gators’ defense was active, recording 15 steals and turning them into a 29-12 advantage in points off turnovers, but their sluggish first half ultimately cost them.
The Bulldogs capitalized on their hot start and held off Florida’s furious rally, showing the kind of poise they’ll need down the stretch. Their balanced scoring and ability to weather adversity could make them a dangerous team as March approaches.
Florida will look to bounce back at home on Saturday night when they host No. 12 Texas A&M in another key SEC battle. Georgia, riding the momentum of this monumental win, travels to face Texas in a crucial matchup as they continue their push for their first NCAA Tournament berth since 2015.
