ATLANTA — Asa Newell contributed significantly to Georgia’s victory over Grand Canyon, scoring 17 points, including a crucial three-point play with just 17 seconds remaining. The final score was 73-68 during the Holiday Hoopsgiving event on Saturday night.

Somto Cyril also made an impact for the Bulldogs, finishing with 12 points, eight rebounds, and five blocks. Teammates Tyrin Lawrence and Blue Cain each added 10 points to the team’s total.

With this win, Georgia improved its record to 9-1, marking the team’s best start since they won 11 of their first 12 games during the 2001-02 season.

In a tense finish, Collin Moore nailed a three-pointer, and Ray Harrison contributed two free throws. Harrison then stole the ball from Cain and assisted Jakobe Coles on a layup that reduced the deficit to 66-63 with just 1:32 left on the clock. Neither team was able to score again until Newell was fouled while making a layup; he successfully converted the ensuing free throw, adding to the Bulldogs’ lead.

Ray Harrison was the standout player for the Lopes, scoring 16 points, including 11 in the closing minutes of the game. Harrison has achieved a career total of 2,110 points, with 1,220 of those points coming during his time at Grand Canyon, ranking him 14th in the program’s history.

Newell hit a pivotal three-pointer that gave Georgia the lead midway through the first half, setting the tone for the game.

Grand Canyon, who started the second half strong with an 8-0 run, capitalized on Georgia’s rough start, as the Bulldogs were 0-for-4 shooting and committed three turnovers within the first three minutes. Newell, however, answered with a powerful dunk, followed by a blocked shot and another dunk after securing the rebound.

Despite being ranked fifth nationally for free-throw attempts per game, Grand Canyon managed to make 15 of their 17 attempts during the game, marking only the second time this season they attempted fewer than 25 free throws.