LEXINGTON, Ky. (Interstat) — The Georgia Bulldogs built a first-half lead and held off a late rally to defeat the Kentucky Wildcats 86-78 in a Southeastern Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at Rupp Arena.

Georgia led 39-34 at halftime and extended its advantage in the second half before a crowd of 19,780. Kentucky, a heavy pregame favorite, could not complete the comeback. The Bulldogs improved to 18-8 overall, while the Wildcats fell to 17-9. The combined score of 164 points fell just under the projected total. Georgia’s Blue Cain, Marcus Millender and Jeremiah Wilkinson were key contributors in the victory.