ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Kanon Catchings scored a career-high 32 points and Georgia ended No. 16 Alabama's eight-game winning streak with a 98-88 victory Tuesday night.
Catchings ignited the Bulldogs (21-9, 9-8 Southeastern Conference) with 20 points before halftime, leading their fourth win in five games. He was 7 of 13 from 3-point range and delivered a signature highlight with a behind-the-back pass to Somto Cyril for a thunderous slam.
Heading into its final home game of the season, Georgia had likely done enough to clinch its second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. But tacking a sixth Quad 1 win onto the resume surely sealed a berth in the 68-team field.
The Bulldogs also reached the most regular-season victories since the 2001-02 team went 21-8 under Jim Harrick.
The Crimson Tide (22-8, 12-5) wasted a chance to bolster its seeding for the tournament, despite a spirited back-and-forth down the stretch as the teams traded 3 after 3. Labaron Philon Jr. led Alabama with 26 points.
Catchings, a transfer from BYU in his first season at Georgia, easily eclipsed is previous college best of 23 points.
Thee Bulldogs never trailed after a 12-0 run in the first half, sparked by their defense and Catchings at the offensive end.
Blue Cain turned a steal into a layup, Catchings dunked one off another steal, and a third steal by Jeremiah Wilkinson led to Catchings knocking down a 3-pointer. The sophomore forward scored eight straight points in the spurt, hitting another trey that was set up by an offensive rebound.
Georgia led 50-43 at halftime after Catchings swished his fourth trey on the period just ahead of the buzzer. The frustration of Alabama coach Nate Oats boiled over when he was assessed a technical as his team was heading up court after a Georgia miss.
Down the stretch, the thrilling game was marred by several delays because of a malfunctioning scoreboard.
Alabama: Returns home Saturday to close out the regular season against rival Auburn.
Georgia: Finishes up the regular season at Mississippi State on Saturday.
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