Georgia Prepares for Rematch with Rival Florida

Bulldogs look to avenge earlier loss to defending national champions

Feb. 10, 2026 at 10:39am

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The Georgia Bulldogs will host the Florida Gators on Wednesday night in a rematch of their January 6th matchup, which Florida won 92-77. Since that first meeting, both teams have seen changes, with Florida rising to a #14 national ranking and Georgia welcoming back center Somto Cyril, who was ejected in the previous game. The Bulldogs will also have the advantage of playing at home in Stegeman Coliseum, where they have been 12-3 this season.

Why it matters

This rematch between two SEC powerhouses will be an important test for both teams as they jockey for position in the conference standings. Georgia will be looking to avenge their earlier loss and prove they can compete with the defending national champions, while Florida will aim to solidify their status as one of the top teams in the country.

The details

In the first meeting, Florida outrebounded Georgia 56-35 and pulled away in the second half. Georgia head coach Mike White praised Florida's talented frontcourt and physicality, saying they are "the best rebounding team in the country." The return of Somto Cyril could help the Bulldogs match up better inside, though White is unsure if Cyril's presence would have changed the outcome of the first game. Georgia will also look to take advantage of the home-court energy at Stegeman Coliseum, where they have been strong this season.

  • The teams first met on January 6, 2026 in Gainesville, with Florida winning 92-77.
  • The rematch will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 in Athens, Georgia.

The players

Mike White

The head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs basketball team.

Somto Cyril

A center for the Georgia Bulldogs who was ejected from the first meeting with Florida.

Justin Bailey

A guard for the Georgia Bulldogs.

Rueben Chinyelu

The center for the Florida Gators.

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What they’re saying

“I think they've got the best front line in the country. They've got talented guards around them. They've got quality depth. They're a top ten defense. They're the best rebounding team in the country. Physicality, size, length, they're very good. They're very good. We'll have to play really well.”

— Mike White, Georgia Head Coach

“His composure has definitely increased. He's been great the last couple of practices, last game as well. I think all of us have this one day at a time mentality. I know he's anxious, but he's going to channel that in the right way, because he knows that we need him, we need him point-blank, period.”

— Justin Bailey, Georgia Guard

What’s next

The winner of Wednesday's game will take a big step towards securing a higher seed in the SEC Tournament.

The takeaway

This rematch between Georgia and Florida will be a crucial test for both teams as they look to establish themselves as contenders in the SEC. The Bulldogs will need to find a way to slow down Florida's dominant frontcourt and take advantage of the home-court energy at Stegeman Coliseum to avenge their earlier loss.