For Immediate Release
Courtesy: Georgia Sports Communications
February 6th, 2010

ATHENS, Ga.----- The University of Georgia men’s basketball team upset the 18th ranked Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday night, toppling the visiting squad by a score of 72-58 in front of 8,131 raucous Stegeman Coliseum patrons. The crowd was on its feet throughout the duration as it saw Georgia snap a three-game losing streak and raise its record to 10-11, with a 2-6 Southeastern Conference mark. Vanderbilt’s record slips to 17-5, with an inverse 6-2 standing in the conference. The win was the second conference win for head coach Mark Fox, and his third victory over a top 25 in the first season of his Georgia coaching career.

“We really played well all-around tonight”, said Fox. “Some people stepped up off the bench. Even after we didn’t start the second half well, the defense improved and held us together. Here was a lot of unselfish play from our team, and this is the type of game that really makes you feel good about yourself.”

Georgia had a balanced effort on the evening, dually led by sophomores Travis Leslie and Trey Thompkins, who each finished with 17 points. Leslie managed to edge Georgia rebound leader Thompkins as he grabbed eight boards, compared to Thompkins’s seven. Leslie and senior guard Ricky McPhee paced the Bulldogs in assists with five apiece, while reserve freshman point guard Vincent Williams had career highs in points and assists, with seven and five, respectively. Leading all scorers in the game was Vanderbilt senior guard Jermaine Beal, who scored 21 points. Vanderbilt sophomore guard Brad Tinsley added 18.

“I was very pleased with our defense tonight. Plus, the other day’s game (a 72-68 home loss to Arkansas) made me a little nauseous, so I’m happy that I’ll be able to eat tonight”, joked Fox.

The win got the proverbial “monkey” off of Georgia’s backs, as it showed they were able to gain a lead and maintain it through the conclusion of the game. In five of their six SEC losses, the Bulldogs have either led or been within a single possession of the lead during the final minute of play. Georgia will look to continue this momentum as they travel to Auburn on Wednesday, February 10th. The game tips at 9:00 PM EST and can be seen live on CSS, as well as heard on the Georgia Bulldogs Radio Network. Live stats can also be found on www.georgiadogs.com