Georgia's Catchings scores career-high 32 in upset over No. 16 Alabama

Bulldogs end Crimson Tide's 8-game winning streak with 98-88 victory

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Kanon Catchings scored a career-high 32 points, including 20 before halftime, to lead Georgia to a 98-88 upset victory over No. 16 Alabama on Tuesday night. The win ended the Crimson Tide's 8-game winning streak and likely secured the Bulldogs' second straight NCAA Tournament berth.

Why it matters

This was a crucial Quad 1 win for Georgia, which has been fighting to solidify its NCAA Tournament resume. The victory over the ranked Crimson Tide should all but guarantee the Bulldogs a spot in the 68-team field.

The details

Catchings was on fire, going 7-of-13 from 3-point range and delivering a highlight-reel behind-the-back pass to set up a thunderous dunk. Georgia never trailed after a 12-0 first-half run sparked by its defense and Catchings' scoring. The game was marred by several delays due to a malfunctioning scoreboard.

  • Georgia led 50-43 at halftime after Catchings hit a 3-pointer just before the buzzer.
  • The Bulldogs reached 21 regular-season wins, the most since the 2001-02 team went 21-8.

The players

Kanon Catchings

A transfer from BYU in his first season at Georgia, Catchings scored a career-high 32 points to lead the Bulldogs to the upset victory.

Labaron Philon Jr.

The Alabama guard led the Crimson Tide with 26 points in the losing effort.

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What’s next

Georgia finishes the regular season at Mississippi State on Saturday, while Alabama returns home to host rival Auburn.

The takeaway

This win over a ranked opponent should solidify Georgia's NCAA Tournament hopes, proving the Bulldogs can compete with the best teams in the SEC. Catchings' career performance was the key to the upset, showcasing the team's offensive firepower as they make a late-season push.