After spending almost a month away from Germain Arena and traveling nearly 9,000 miles, a little home cooking was just what the Florida Firecats needed to get back in the win column on Saturday night.

Florida picked up a much-needed 62-45 victory over South Division rival South Georgia, ensuring the Firecats would stay in the No. 7 spot in the American Conference playoff standings.

The turning point of the game came midway through the third quarter when back-to-back Florida scores put the Firecats (6-7) up for good.

Florida led 28-27 going into halftime, but came out of the locker room inspired.

The Firecats scored on their first possession of the third quarter when James Panui caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chris Wallace.

The play capped off an eight-play, 45-yard drive that lasted 4 minutes, 37 seconds.

Florida coach Kevin Bouis then took a gamble by attempting an onside kick, and it paid off in a big way.

The Firecats recovered on their 11-yard line, then used an eight-play 39-yard drive that lasted more than five minutes to put another touchdown on the board and take a 42-27 lead.

By the time South Georgia got the ball for the first time in the second half, Florida had the ball for more than night straight minutes – an eternity in arena football.

Florida built its lead to 55-33 in the fourth quarter after Greg Walls caught a 5-yard touchdown pass from Wallace.

Florida held off a late rally by the Wildcats, who cut the lead to 55-45 with 42 seconds remaining in the game by recovering an onside kick and adding a late score on a 1-yard Wallace touchdown run.

Wallace finished the game 18-of-28 passing for 174 yards and six touchdowns.

Panui was named the offensive player of the game after catching eight passes for 96 yards and three scores.

Entering the game, Panui had played primarily on special teams, and had been averaging just 33.6 yards receiving per game.

South Georgia quarterback Darnell Kennedy finished 19-of-37 passing for 272 yards and five touchdowns.

Florida’s defense was lead by Anthony Hailstock, who recorded seven tackles.

Midseason acquisition James McCoy continues to make his presence felt in the defensive secondary, recording 4.5 tackles while breaking up four passes.

South Georgia struggled on two-point conversion attempts, converting just one of five in the game.

Wildcats kicker Jared Guberman also missed a shot field goal just before the half, and made just one of his two extra point attempts.

Florida kicker Mike Adams had one of his best games of the season, converting his first six extra-point attempts and 8-of-9 for the game.

Both teams have a bye next week for the Independence Day holiday, but will meet again at South Georgia on July 11.

Woody Wommack writes for the Naples Daily News.