In an exhilarating showdown at Athens, Georgia, the No. 23 ranked Georgia Bulldogs showed some serious resilience, rallying from behind to snag an 89-74 win over Long Island University. This nonconference clash saw Marcus “Smurf” Millender stepping up with 14 points.
Georgia’s second-half push really changed everything. The Bulldogs, now 12-1, managed to dig deep and flip the script on a Long Island squad that owned the paint and took full advantage of Georgia’s mistakes in the first half.
Georgia’s Second-Half Surge
Long Island University (6-7) came out hot, using sharp shooting to build an 11-point lead early. Georgia stumbled at first, coughing up 10 turnovers that led to 15 points for Long Island.
Even with those rough patches, the Bulldogs didn’t panic. They slowly started to chip away at the deficit, showing some real grit.
Key Players and Performances
Marcus “Smurf” Millender played a big role in the comeback, dropping 14 points. Justin Bailey knocked down a clutch 3-pointer that finally put Georgia ahead at 48-47 early in the second half.
Bailey ended up with 13 points, and Blue Cain added 12 more. On the other side, Greg Gordon led Long Island with a strong 20-point showing.
Turning the Tide
Georgia’s turnaround hinged on a 13-0 run that padded their lead. The Bulldogs’ shooting got a big boost after halftime, and they wrapped up the game hitting 46% from the field.
That offensive burst let Georgia stretch their lead to 15, and honestly, Long Island couldn’t claw back after that.
Challenges in the Paint
Georgia still had trouble inside, getting outscored 48-32 in the paint. Long Island really flexed their muscle down low, and you’d have to think that’s something Georgia will need to address soon.
Still, the Bulldogs found ways to score from other spots, which says something about their depth.
Looking Ahead
With this win, Georgia wraps up its nonconference slate on a pretty high note. Next up? Hosting Auburn on Saturday—should be a real test as they head into conference play.
Long Island, meanwhile, gets a shot to regroup when they host Central Connecticut on Friday. Let’s see how they bounce back.
Implications for Rankings
Georgia’s win should give their AP Top 25 ranking a little nudge in the right direction. Fans and analysts will be watching to see what kind of bump they get after this one.
For the latest on the AP Top 25, you can follow the latest news here.
Game Highlights
There were plenty of moments that stood out in this game. A few of the big ones:
- Marcus “Smurf” Millender’s 14 points: His steady play was a huge part of Georgia’s comeback.
- Justin Bailey’s pivotal 3-pointer: That shot early in the second half finally gave Georgia the lead.
- Long Island’s early dominance: The Sharks built an 11-point cushion in the first half and looked sharp out of the gate.
- Georgia’s 13-0 run: This burst in the second half basically put the game out of reach.
Statistical Breakdown
The stats tell quite a story, too:
- Field Goal Percentage: Georgia hit 46% from the floor, which really made a difference.
- Points in the Paint: Long Island outscored Georgia 48-32 inside—a clear area to work on for the Bulldogs.
- Turnovers: Long Island turned Georgia’s 10 turnovers into 15 points. That kept things interesting for a while.
Conclusion
Georgia pulled off a win over Long Island University, showing some real grit and flexibility when things got tense. There’s no denying the Bulldogs have a few things to figure out—especially when it comes to holding their own in the paint.
They’ll be heading into conference play soon, so it’s not the time to get complacent. Long Island, meanwhile, has to shake this one off and get ready for Central Connecticut. That’s just how it goes.
If you’re curious about the game’s details—who did what, the stats, and all that—you can check out the full article on Fox Sports.
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