Fast start propels Georgia past Big Orange, 80-63

Georgia defeats Tennessee.

ATHENS — A venture to Georgia proved to be anything but pleasant for the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team Wednesday night.

It was a Southeastern Conference game of firsts for both the Volunteers and the Bulldogs.

The 80-63 victory was the first conference win for Georgia, and for Tennessee it was the first round loss to a league foe.

NCAA Basketball: Tennessee at Georgia
Jan 15, 2020; Athens, Georgia, USA; Tennessee Volunteers guard Yves Pons (35) shoots against Georgia Bulldogs forward Rayshaun Hammonds (20) during the first half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia (11-5 overall, 1-2 in the SEC) got off to a fast start and darted out to a 47-28 lead by halftime and the Big Orange (10-6, 2-2 SEC) never really recovered from the early punch thrown by the Bulldogs.

Jordan Bowden led the Vols with 12 points while Josiah-Jordan James added 11.

Yves Pons scored eight points and grabbed eight rebounds.

The Bulldogs had two players post double figures in the scoring column. Anthony Edwards had 26 points and Rayshaun Hammonds added 21.

Hammonds, a forward, had 21.