Georgia Closes Non-Conference Slate with Gritty Win Over LIU, Eyes SEC Play
ATHENS, Ga. - The Georgia Bulldogs didn’t make it easy on themselves Monday night, but they found a way to get it done. After a sluggish first half and an early double-digit deficit, the No. 23 Bulldogs (12-1) stormed back in the second half to take down Long Island University (6-7), wrapping up their non-conference schedule with a hard-fought win at Stegeman Coliseum.
This one was more of a grind than a showcase, but in college basketball, sometimes the ability to win ugly says more about a team’s ceiling than a blowout ever could.
A Tale of Two Halves
Georgia came out flat, and LIU took full advantage. The Sharks led for most of the first half, using their length and defensive activity to disrupt Georgia’s rhythm.
It wasn’t until Somto Cyril sank a free throw with about seven minutes left in the half that the Bulldogs finally pulled even at 27-27. Even then, LIU managed to stay in control, heading into the break with a narrow lead after a late push from Georgia that included a three-pointer from Blue Cain and a dunk by Jake Wilkins.
But the second half? That was a different story.
Down by eight early in the half, Georgia flipped the switch. A 13-0 run-sparked by free throws from Justin Bailey and back-to-back threes from Bailey and Marcus “Smurf” Millender-swung the momentum in a big way. Just like that, Georgia had its first lead of the night, and they never looked back.
Key Contributors Step Up
Millender led the way with 14 points, showing off his range and confidence in big moments. Cain added 13, and Bailey chipped in 12. All three guards were instrumental in Georgia’s second-half surge, not just with scoring, but with energy and composure when the game started to tilt.
That trio’s contributions were crucial, especially on a night when Georgia’s offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders. The Bulldogs leaned on their depth, their defense, and their ability to string together stops when it mattered most.
Stegeman Streak Continues
With the win, Georgia extends its home winning streak to 11 games-a key confidence booster as they prepare for the grind of SEC play. This 12-1 start matches the third-best in program history, and while the Bulldogs weren’t at their sharpest, they showed resilience and maturity in pulling out the win.
Coach’s Take: Learning While Winning
Head coach didn’t sugarcoat things postgame. “We found a way to win after we were down 11.
Could’ve gone either way,” he said. “It was not our best performance… but maybe we can learn from it and grow from it.”
He credited LIU for their toughness, athleticism, and defensive presence-particularly the impact of Isaiah Miranda at the rim. Georgia struggled early with LIU’s switching defense and shot-blocking, something they hadn’t faced much of this season. The Bulldogs were forced into overthinking their offensive sets, especially against ball-screen switches, and it took them time to find their rhythm.
Defensively, Georgia’s press-usually a strength-wasn’t as effective. LIU handled the pressure, got out in transition, and finished well at the rim.
“We allowed them to play in space too much,” the coach admitted. “They passed it really well and finished at the rim.
They’re talented.”
Still, the Bulldogs found a way to respond, and that’s what matters most heading into conference play.
Players Locked In for SEC Stretch
Junior guard Marcus “Smurf” Millender emphasized the importance of momentum heading into the SEC slate. “Coming off a win is always good going into the next game,” he said.
“We’re 12-1 right now. We have momentum.
We’re super excited.”
For Millender and Bailey, who haven’t played in the SEC before, the anticipation is real. And while the team is confident, they know there’s work to be done.
“We got to tune up some things,” Bailey said. “I think something we need to improve on is communication… If we can get in transition, the easier the points will be to score. But we have to play defense.”
Bailey also tipped his cap to LIU’s defensive effort. “They were active in the gap and crashing the offensive glass,” he said. “They have long guards, and they were all over the court.”
What’s Next
Georgia now turns its full attention to SEC play, where the competition ramps up and the margin for error shrinks. This win wasn’t perfect, but it was gritty. And for a team still learning how to win in different ways, that might be the most valuable takeaway of all.
If this group can clean up the communication lapses, tighten the defensive rotations, and keep getting contributions from its bench, Georgia could be a real problem in the SEC.
The road ahead gets tougher-but the Bulldogs look ready to walk it.