12. Georgia Bulldogs
Best win: St. John’s Red Storm
It took everything Georgia had to overcome 24 turnovers against No. 22 St John’s to get the win, including a Silas Demary Jr steal in the final seconds of the game. Asa Newell, as he has most games this season, led Georgia in scoring with 18 points. Demary pitched in 15 points and Tyrin Lawrence added 11 points in the win. The Bulldogs didn’t have a ton of opportunities against power conference competition, so beating the Red Storm in front of a sparse crowd in the Bahamas was huge for Georgia following its first loss of the season the game before.
11. Mississippi State Bulldogs
Best win: Memphis Tigers
Mississippi State has a handful of solid wins already this season, but none compared to the win over No. 21 Memphis. The Bulldogs knocked off the Tigers on their home court, a place where Memphis had only lost 13 times in the past seven years under Penny Hardaway. Mississippi State jumped out to a big lead and thanks to 15 steals and 19 offensive rebounds was able to hold on for a 13-point win on the road. Four Bulldogs scored in double figures in the upset win with Riley Kugel leading the way with 19 points off the bench.
10. Florida Gators
Best win: North Carolina Tar Heels
Florida has been great this season, but scheduled a little light in the non-conference so there were as many games to choose from. And though North Carolina isn’t playing up to expectations, beating the Tar Heels is still a great win. UNC was the first team to really test Florida this season, and the Gators were able to hold off the Tar Heels in the second half to get the 90-84 win. Four Gators scored in double figures, but Will Richard (22 points) and Alijah Martin (19 points) led the way for Florida in the win. This was the first game where Florida looked mortal but also showed that the Gators were capable of holding off good teams.