The Georgia Bulldogs men’s basketball team defeated the LSU Tigers in Stegman Coliseum by a score of 68-66. This win marks their 14th victory of the season and their fourth conference win.

The Bulldogs struggled to get into a rhythm early, finding themselves down 10-4 seven minutes into the game. However, three pointers from Jabri Abdur-Rahim and RJ Melendez tied the game at 10 with 10:59 left in the half, keeping the momentum out of LSU’s hands. Just as it seemed that the Tigers would go on another run, Blue Cain hit a two point jumper with 8:59 remaining in the half to tie the game once again. In the late minutes before the break, Georgia went on a 6-0 run, helping the Bulldogs lead by two at the half, 35-33. Silas Demary Jr. led the Bulldogs in scoring in the first half with 11 points.

The second half started off with Georgia taking advantage of their opportunities at the free throw line. Both Melendez and Demary Jr. converted two free throw attempts to make the score 39-33 with 16:30 remaining. Shortly after, Melendez converted a fast break dunk to gives the Bulldogs an eight point lead and seemingly all the momentum.

With 4:30 left, LSU’s Jordan Wright converted a second-chance dunk to keep his team within striking distance of the Dawgs, making the score 61-55. LSU would creep to within two points of the Bulldogs after a converted and-one by Trae Hannibal with 2:03 left.

With 43 seconds to go, fresh off of a Georgia timeout, senior guard Justin Hill drove to the basket and missed a wide open layup that would’ve all but sealed the game for the Bulldogs. Tigers guard Jalen Cook seemed to break the Dawgs hearts, converting an and-one play to give LSU a one point lead with 16 seconds to go.

The Bulldogs turned to their best player for the “last shot”. Jabri Abdur-Rahim hoisted a three-point shot with 12 seconds to go, but failed to convert. Luckily, seven-foot Russel Tchewa was there for the rebound . With just two ticks remaining on the scoreboard, Tchewa drilled a layup through an LSU shooting foul, igniting the crowd and giving the Bulldogs the lead, 67-66. Tchewa would convert the free throw attempt following the shot, making the score 68-66.

LSU called a timeout moments after in hopes of drawing up a miracle play. The Tigers got off a great look, but were unable to convert on a three-pointer, sealing their fate. Jalen Cook led the Tigers in scoring with 21, followed by 18 from Jordan Wright. As for the Bulldogs, Silas Demary Jr. led the team in scoring with 15, followed by 11 from Tchewa and Thomasson.

After the game, Coach Mike White said that his team was “really fortunate” to come out on top, but overall, this was “a great win” for this Georgia team.

This weekend, the Bulldogs will travel down to Gainesville for a matchup with the Florida Gators, a team that White coached for seven years. Tip off is scheduled for noon on Saturday.