Georgia needed a stacked performance to clinch the win on Tuesday night, and that’s exactly what it delivered. The Bulldogs showed up with balanced scoring, defense and control across the lineup to power past the Wildcats 86-78 at Rupp Arena, grabbing a much-needed win to keep their March Madness hopes alive.
The Bulldogs carried a 39-34 lead into halftime and leaned into their depth and shot distribution in the second half to create separation. Kentucky stayed close behind with a 28-point performance from senior guard Otega Oweh, but Georgia’s ability to generate scoring from multiple spots kept the Wildcats from taking control.
Late-game execution ultimately sealed the win for the Bulldogs, who controlled possessions, converted free throws and limited second-chance opportunities to close out another important road win.
Georgia’s offensive identity has been built on pace and depth throughout the season and conference play, a formula that translated in one of the SEC’s toughest playing environments. Junior guard Blue Cain set the tone as Georgia’s primary scorer, finishing with 20 points on efficient shooting and making three 3-pointers. His shooting ability forced Kentucky to rethink its defensive strategy and opened up space for more Bulldogs to drive and score on the inside.
That strong interior presence was controlled by sophomore center Somto Cyril, who delivered 14 points and eight rebounds while simultaneously anchoring Georgia’s defense. His physicality around the rim shaped possessions on both ends, and Cyril made an unmistakable impact, even without a formidable dunk total during the game.
Georgia’s offensive rhythm flowed through Marcus “Smurf” Millender, who finished the evening with 14 points and eight assists. Millender controlled the pace in transition, entering the starting lineup in place of sophomore guard and leading scorer Jeremiah Wilkinson, who came off the bench in his first game back from injury. Wilkinson returned for the Bulldogs after a two-game absence, a huge get-back for the Bulldogs as they continue to strengthen their bid for the NCAA Tournament.
The Bulldogs also saw significant pressure on the perimeter from Wilkinson, whose scoring gravity fueled Georgia’s 14 made 3-pointers as a team. Kanon Catchings added to that pressure with six points and five rebounds, continuing his late-season scoring consistency and giving Georgia another physical presence on the glass.
The win marked the first for the Bulldogs at Rupp Arena since 2009. Georgia now looks to continue to showcase its versatility on Saturday afternoon as they return home to Stegeman Coliseum to face a Texas team that scored 87 points against the Bulldogs in their previous matchup on Jan. 24.