Georgia falls to #17 Florida, 72-60

Feb 7, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard J.J. Frazier (30) drives against Florida Gators forward Keith Stone (25) in the first half of their game at Stegeman Coliseum. The Gators won 72-60. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs guard J.J. Frazier (30) drives against Florida Gators forward Keith Stone (25) in the first half of their game at Stegeman Coliseum. The Gators won 72-60. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Dawgs lose at home to the Florida Gators, 72-60. Georgia has now dropped 5 of their last 6, making them 13-11 on the season, and 4-7 in SEC play. The win gave Florida 5 straight wins, and a 3-way tie for 1st place in the SEC, with Kentucky and South Carolina.

Related Story: UGA's basketball struggles.

1st Half

In the first half, Florida came out scorching hot. It seemed like they made every shot that they threw up, building themselves a 30-14 lead over Georgia midway through the 1st half. Then, the Dawgs came alive. The defense started smothering the Gators, forcing multiple stops in a row. Then Georgia started striking. J.J. Frazier hit a 3 on a fast break. The very next possession, Pape Diatta drains a 3. Frazier comes back with another 3, and all of a sudden, you look up and the Dawgs are back in it.  Georgia went on a 15-0 run. Frazier scored 8 of those 15. The Gators went 7 minutes without a field goal in the first half.  Derek Ogbeide ended the half with a huge block from a Barry floater.  Although Florida lead, 35-33 at half, Georgia had the momentum.

Feb 7, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Yante Maten (1) controls the ball between Florida Gators forward Keith Stone (25) and forward Kevarrius Hayes (13) in the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2017; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Yante Maten (1) controls the ball between Florida Gators forward Keith Stone (25) and forward Kevarrius Hayes (13) in the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Half

This time when the Gators came out swinging, they didn’t stop. The Florida defense held Georgia to 27 points in the 2nd half. The turnover bug bit UGA a lot this half. Although the Dawgs tried to make a few runs, Florida was just too much.

Key Player Stats

Chris Chiozza had 15 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists for Florida.

Yante Maten scored 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Next: What can we expect from Monty Rice?

Up Next

Florida will be playing host to Texas A&M on Saturday.

Georgia travels to Knoxville to take on Tennessee on Saturday.