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Although the Georgia Bulldogs had a better record in SEC play coming into Saturday afternoon’s matchup, the Florida Gators were heavy favorites. UF proved to be the better team early but then faded, surrendering a 21-point lead, to force overtime. After a nail-biter, the Gators went on to beat the Bulldogs 102-98, earning their first win this season in SEC play against a team over .500.
Inside the Gators’ Instant Analysis takes a quick look at how the game unfolded.
IT WAS OVER WHEN: Zyon Pullin knocked down both of his free throws with 5.7 seconds left in Overtime. This came after RJ Melendez scored a wild three for Georgia to bring the game to two points. Georgia called a timeout after Pullin put the Gators up by four. Melendez took responsibility and missed a three-pointer. As the ball bounced on the court, the clock hit zero.
THEY STOLE THE SHOW: Micah Handlogten had himself a day. The Sophomore transfer out of Marshall had a career day in points, scoring 23 going 10-13 from the field and 2-3 from the line. He took responsibility when Tyrese Samuel had to go to the bench early due to foul trouble and was a force to be reckoned with. Handlogten also grabbed 17 rebounds.
THESE STATS DON’T LIE: The Gators had 32 rebounds on defense while Georgia’s offense only had 8. The Bulldogs were unable to earn any second chance opportunities the whole game which gave Florida a comfortable lead early. Georgia ended the game with just three second-chance points.
THIS MATCHUP PROVIDED KEY: Georgia’s bench against Florida. The Bulldogs scored 62 points off the bench which ignited a late second-half comeback. RJ Melendez scored 35 while Blue Cain heated up late scoring 14. Melendez came up with some big points in overtime, but it was not enough as the Gators scraped the victory at the end.
WHAT A PLAY: After stealing the ball and slamming it home early in the first half, Will Richard did it again. This time he brought his entourage with him. He stole the basketball from Noah Thomasson and was off to the races with Zyon Pullin to his right and Walter Clayton Jr. to his left. Richard played it to Pullin who then dropped a perfect alley-oop back to him.
UP NEXT: The (14-6, 4-3) Gators travel to the Rupp Arena on Wednesday to take on in-conference opponent No. 6 (14-4, 4-2) Kentucky. The Wildcats play later tonight at 6 p.m. against Arkansas. Florida is looking to extend its three-game win streak and get back at Kentucky after losing a close one earlier this month. Florida will play against the Bulldogs again this season on Feb. 17 at Georgia.
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