Gators Hold Off Bulldogs in Overtime

credit FloridaGators.com

The Florida Gators got a measure of redemption with 102-98 overtime victory over the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday at Exactech Arena.

The Gators improved their record to 14-6 overall and 4-3 in the SEC, while the Bulldogs now stand at an identical 14-6 overall and 4-3 in conference play.

Florida's sophomore Micah Handlogten led the team with a double-double, scoring a career-high 23 points and grabbing 17 rebounds. Zyon Pullin contributed 20 points, while Walter Clayton Jr. and Will Richard each added 18 points, and Alex Condon chipped in with 10.

For Georgia, junior RJ Melendez was the top scorer, setting a career-high with 35 points, including a crucial 3-pointer late in overtime. Russel Tchewa achieved his 11th career double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Freshman Blue Cain and Justin Hill added 14 and 11 points, respectively.

The Gators initially led by 13 at halftime and extended their lead to 21 points early in the second half. However, the Bulldogs mounted a comeback, outscoring the Gators 51-38 in the second half.

Cain's scoring spree was vital in erasing a 68-47 deficit and sending the game into overtime.

In overtime, Florida outscored Georgia 17-13 to clinch the win. The game was marked by Florida's rebounding advantage, 46-25, and Georgia's fewer turnovers, 8 compared to Florida's 17.

The Gators' win extends their series winning streak against the Bulldogs to nine games.

The game's attendance was reported at 10,045.