Former Florida head coach Mike White got his revenge in a thrilling Tuesday night showdown, leading the Georgia Bulldogs to an 88-83 upset victory over the No. 3 Florida Gators. In a game filled with dramatic moments, Georgia delivered a season-defining performance that has fans in Athens celebrating and Florida fans eating their words.
White, who coached Florida for seven years before joining Georgia in 2022, had faced criticism throughout his tenure in Gainesville despite consistent NCAA Tournament appearances. Tuesday’s game marked a dramatic turning point, as White’s Bulldogs toppled the Gators and delivered a crushing blow to Florida’s hopes of securing a No. 1 seed in the upcoming tournament.
The Bulldogs’ victory was fueled by an outstanding team effort, highlighted by sophomore guard Silas Demary Jr., who scored 21 points on 7-12 shooting. Sophomore wing Blue Cain also shone brightly, contributing key buckets, including a clutch three-pointer that sealed Georgia’s win. The Bulldogs shot over 50% from the field and an impressive 10-18 from beyond the arc, a testament to their offensive efficiency.
Florida entered the game with high expectations and a top-three national ranking, making the loss all the more devastating for Gators fans. Adding to the sting was the irony that many Florida supporters had mocked White’s departure, only to see him out-coach their current head coach, Todd Golden, in a critical matchup.
The win also carries significant implications for Georgia’s season. It marks the Bulldogs’ third Quad 1 victory, adding to earlier wins over Kentucky and St. John’s. Georgia now has a legitimate shot at securing an NCAA Tournament berth, something White has been working toward since taking over in Athens.
Georgia fans stormed the court at Stegeman Coliseum in celebration, while social media lit up with reactions. “All that trash talk about Mike White just to lose to him when you’re playing for a 1 seed? Poetic justice,” one fan quipped.
For White, the victory symbolizes much more than just a win over his former team. It solidifies his progress at Georgia and silences doubters, at least for now. As for Florida, the loss serves as a humbling reminder that karma has a way of catching up—even on the basketball court.
With the win, Georgia inches closer to breaking into the NCAA Tournament conversation, while Florida is left to regroup and recover from a bitter loss that will be talked about for weeks to come.
