Georgia upsets No. 3 Florida 88-83 to increase hopes of qualifying for the NCAA Tournament.

In one of the most thrilling college basketball games of the season, the University of Georgia Bulldogs pulled off a stunning 88-83 victory over the No. 3-ranked Florida Gators, a triumph that not only shocked the college basketball world but also significantly boosted Georgia’s chances of securing a bid to the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The game, held at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia, on a crisp February evening, will be remembered as one of the defining moments in Georgia’s basketball program. With the win, Georgia not only snapped Florida’s seven-game winning streak but also positioned themselves as a dark horse contender for an NCAA Tournament berth. The victory is crucial for a Georgia team that has battled inconsistency throughout the season but has now shown they can compete with the nation’s elite.

A Historic Upset

The victory over Florida was Georgia’s first over a Top 5 opponent in over a decade. Florida, who entered the game ranked No. 3 in the nation, had been one of the most dominant teams in college basketball all season. With a roster filled with NBA-caliber talent, including standout players like Keyontae Johnson and Tre Mann, Florida was expected to roll past Georgia. But in an unpredictable sport like college basketball, anything can happen on a given night.

For Georgia, the win over Florida was a testament to their resilience and determination. The Bulldogs were led by senior guard Tye Fagan, who had an outstanding performance, scoring 27 points, grabbing 6 rebounds, and dishing out 4 assists. His ability to drive to the basket, make clutch shots, and get to the free-throw line was a key factor in Georgia’s victory. Additionally, freshman guard Kario Oquendo provided a much-needed spark off the bench, contributing 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, including a critical three-pointer late in the game that helped Georgia hold off a late Florida rally.

What made this upset even more impressive was how Georgia executed their game plan against a talented and well-coached Florida team. They managed to stay within striking distance despite Florida’s firepower and were able to control the pace of the game with an efficient offense and a gritty defense. The Bulldogs shot an impressive 48% from the field, including 11-of-22 from three-point range, and had a solid free-throw performance, converting 19 of 24 attempts.

Florida, despite their strong offensive capabilities, struggled to find consistent rhythm throughout the game. Johnson and Mann both had strong performances, but the Gators were plagued by turnovers and missed opportunities. Florida finished the game with 17 turnovers and shot just 41% from the field, a far cry from their usual offensive efficiency. While Mann finished with 21 points and Johnson contributed 20 points and 8 rebounds, Florida’s inability to defend the three-point line and their struggles with Georgia’s pressure defense ultimately proved to be their downfall.

The Game’s Defining Moments

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with Georgia and Florida trading punches throughout the first half. Florida came out of the gates hot, with Keyontae Johnson knocking down a pair of early threes and Tre Mann attacking the rim with ease. The Gators built a 10-point lead midway through the first half, seemingly in control of the game. However, Georgia responded with an aggressive defensive effort and some timely shooting from Tye Fagan, who knocked down two threes in the span of a minute to bring Georgia back into the game.

As the first half wore on, Georgia’s defense began to stifle Florida’s offense. The Bulldogs forced a series of turnovers, and Kario Oquendo’s defense on Florida’s perimeter shooters helped Georgia limit Florida’s effectiveness from beyond the arc. Georgia managed to take a 43-40 lead into halftime, with Fagan leading the charge with 14 points in the first 20 minutes.

The second half was a thrilling, high-intensity affair. Florida came out of the locker room with renewed energy, and their defense tightened up, allowing them to briefly regain the lead. However, Georgia’s offense continued to click, with Fagan and Oquendo leading the charge. The Bulldogs shot the ball with confidence, knocking down crucial three-pointers, including a deep shot by Fagan with 7 minutes left that gave Georgia a six-point lead.

Florida mounted one final push in the final minutes of the game. With just over a minute remaining, Tre Mann hit a three-pointer to cut Georgia’s lead to just two points, and the Gators had an opportunity to tie or take the lead on their next possession. However, a key turnover by Mann and a pair of clutch free throws by Tye Fagan sealed the victory for Georgia. The crowd erupted as the final buzzer sounded, and Georgia players celebrated with their fans, knowing they had just pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season.

Georgia’s NCAA Tournament Hopes

The victory over Florida is a game that could significantly impact Georgia’s NCAA Tournament resume. Heading into the game, the Bulldogs were on the bubble, with a record that showed some promise but lacked the marquee wins necessary to make a compelling case for an at-large bid. Beating the No. 3 team in the country instantly elevated Georgia’s profile, adding a signature win to their tournament resume.

In addition to the win over Florida, Georgia had been performing well in conference play, with several close losses to top-ranked teams and a few other notable victories against high-quality opponents. However, what had been missing was that one defining win that would get the attention of the NCAA Tournament selection committee. By beating Florida, Georgia now has that win, and it could be the difference between being selected for the tournament or being left out.

The Bulldogs’ remaining schedule is tough, but they now have the momentum to finish strong. Their success in the final stretch of the season will be crucial in determining whether or not they can secure an at-large bid. With games against SEC rivals like Kentucky, Alabama, and Missouri still on the schedule, Georgia’s fate will depend on how they perform in these high-stakes matchups.

Georgia head coach Tom Crean, who has faced criticism for his team’s inconsistency over the years, was understandably elated after the game. In his post-game interview, he praised his team’s resilience and their ability to execute under pressure.

“We’ve been through a lot this season,” Crean said. “But the one thing I always tell these guys is that you have to believe in yourselves. You have to believe that no matter who you’re playing, you can win. Tonight, they showed that belief, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Florida’s Reaction and Looking Ahead

For Florida, the loss was a bitter disappointment. Head coach Mike White was quick to acknowledge that his team didn’t play up to its potential, particularly on the defensive end.

“We didn’t play the way we are capable of playing,” White said in his post-game remarks. “Georgia executed well, and we didn’t make the plays we needed to win the game. We have to bounce back quickly because our goals haven’t changed. We are still a great team, but we need to learn from tonight’s mistakes.”

Despite the loss, Florida remains in good position to secure a high seed in the NCAA Tournament. However, the defeat may be a wake-up call for the Gators, who will need to address their defensive shortcomings and ensure they are playing their best basketball heading into the tournament.