GAINESVILLE, Fla. — In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, Thomas Haugh led the Florida Gators to a commanding 92-77 victory over the No. 18 Georgia Bulldogs on Tuesday night. Haugh’s performance was stellar as he recorded 21 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, driving the Gators to stretch their home winning streak to 14 games.
Joining Haugh in the spotlight was Alex Condon, who also scored 21 points. Boogie Fland contributed significantly with eight points, eight rebounds, and six assists, showcasing the depth of the defending national champions as they secured their 13th win in the last 14 encounters against Georgia.
This matchup marked a crucial moment for Florida, as they played as an unranked team for the first time since their entry into the 2024 NCAA Tournament, following their recent drop from the AP Top 25 after a loss to Missouri. The Gators were determined to capitalize on the opportunity, especially against a Georgia team that entered with their highest ranking in two decades and boasted the nation’s top scoring offense.
However, the Bulldogs struggled to find their offensive rhythm, finishing with a season-low 77 points, significantly below their average of 99.4. Georgia’s Marcus Millender led his team with 18 points, but their leading scorer, Jeremiah Wilkinson, was notably off his game, managing only two points on 1-of-9 shooting.
A turning point in the game came in the first half when Georgia’s 6-foot-11 center, Somto Cyril, was ejected after an altercation with Florida’s Rueben Chinyelu. The officials deemed Cyril’s actions—swinging an arm at Chinyelu—worthy of expulsion, which further hindered Georgia’s ability to maintain pressure on the Gators.
Up next, Georgia will face South Carolina on Saturday, while Florida looks to continue their success against No. 21 Tennessee, also on Saturday. This promising win for Florida not only reinstates their competitive edge in the Southeastern Conference but also sets the stage for an exciting matchup against a ranked opponent in their quest to regain a spot in the AP Top 25.