Georgia Clobbered by Tennessee

Lofton heats up as No. 3 Tennessee beats Georgia 85-69

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Chris Lofton hit seven three-pointers

and scored a season-high 27 points as Number three Tennessee rolled

to a 85-69 victory over Georgia tonight.

It was the seventh straight win for the Volunteers (17-2, 4-1

Southeastern Conference) over the Bulldogs (11-6, 2-2), who were

playing their first Top 25 opponent.

Lofton, who has only averaged 13.8 points this season compared

to 20.8 as a junior, hit his first three 2½ minutes in to put the

Vols up 5-2.

He didn't stop there. Lofton finished the half with 20 points

after going 7-for-9 from the field including 6-for-8 on

three-pointers. With every three he made, Thompson-Boling Arena

erupted into cheers.

His 20 first-half points nearly outscored Georgia as Tennessee

took a 44-23 lead.

Tennessee built on its lead in the second half with help from

Tyler Smith's 17 points and nine rebounds.

Sundiata Gaines led Georgia with 20 points while Billy Humphrey

and Dave Bliss both added 15 points, and Chris Barnes grabbed nine

rebounds.