No. 23 Georgia rallies in the 2nd half to beat Long Island University 89-74

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Georgia center Somto Cyril (2) reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against LIU Brooklyn, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

LIU Brooklyn guards Greg Gordon, left, and Jomo Goings, right, defend against Georgia guard Jeremiah Wilkinson, center, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard) — Georgia center Somto Cyril (2) reacts during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against LIU Brooklyn, Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/Colin Hubbard)

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9:25 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025

By RICK FARLOW

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Marcus “Smurf” Millender scored 14 points and No. 23 Georgia rallied in the second half to beat Long Island University 89-74 on Monday night.

Georgia (12-1) took its first lead — at 48-47 — on Justin Bailey’s 3-pointer early in the second half. Bailey finished with 13 points. Blue Cain added 12.

Greg Gordon led Long Island (6-7) with 20 points.

Georgia was outscored 48-32 in the paint in its nonconference finale. The Bulldogs shot 46% from the field.

Long Island made 11 of its 16 shots from the field and had an 11-point lead in the first half. The Sharks scored 15 points off 10 Georgia turnovers.

Georgia used a 13-0 run to cushion its lead. The Bulldogs led by 15 points.

Up next

Long Island: Hosts Central Connecticut on Friday.

Georgia: Hosts Auburn on Saturday.

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