Host Georgia all but guaranteed itself a spot in the upcoming NCAA Tournament by easily dispatching LSU, 73-53, in Wednesday’s SEC affair at Stegeman Coliseum. The Senior Night victory was the Bulldogs’ third in the last four games and capped their first 20-win season in nine years.

Reaching such a plateau just two seasons removed from a 20-loss campaign is a major victory for coach Mark Fox. When coupled with their strong schedule and high RPI, the ‘Dawgs now figure to be a sure bet to be included in the NCAA field.

Neither team shot particularly well, but Georgia's (20-9, 9-6 SEC) defensive tenacity and unselfish play (15 assists on 26 baskets) proved the difference. A 3-pointer from Travis Leslie with 12:32 left pushed the hosts’ lead to 47-32, and they were never threatened the rest of the way.

Gerald Robinson scored 16, Dustin Ware finished with 15 on five 3-pointers and Leslie added 14 more for Georgia.

Ralston Turner had a game-high 18 points to pace the Tigers (11-19, 3-12), who have lost 11 of 12.