The Georgia Bulldogs had known for quite some time that about 4,000 students from nearby elementary schools would be in attendance for their match-up with the Mercer Bears. But after the tragedy in Newtown, CT last Friday, the kids' presence at the game took on a whole new meaning for Georgia head coach Mark Fox.

Fox said after the game the kids brought more energy into the building in Georgia's 58-49 win over Mercer. He also gave a big compliment to the Bears, who have already taken down the Florida State Seminoles this year.

"We beat a really good basketball team today," Fox said after the win. "They’ll be a team that has a chance to win their league and have a chance to play in the NCAA tournament. They’re very complete and very well-coached. So when you beat a good team you feel good about it."

Fox thanked Mercer head coach Bob Hoffman for agreeing to move the game's start time up to 11:30 a.m. to accommodate the students.