ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Billy Humphrey scored 23 points and Georgia claimed state bragging rights with an ugly win, holding off Georgia Tech 79-72 tonight.
Georgia (9-4) maintained the home-court advantage that has prevailed in this rivalry, winning its 12th straight over the Yellow Jackets (7-7) at Stegeman Coliseum. Georgia Tech's last win in Athens was November 26th, 1976.
The Yellow Jackets trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half, but fought back for a 51-51 tie on Lewis Clinch's driving basket with just over 10 minutes remaining.
Georgia quickly regained control with seven straight points, sparked by Corey Butler's 3-pointer. The Yellow Jackets got it back to 68-66 with two-and-a-half minutes left, but Jeremis Smith missed a couple of free throws that could have tied it.
Dave Bliss made two foul shots at the other end, and Butler hit another big 3 to put it away.
Sundiata Gaines added 16 points for Georgia, while Butler had 11.
Maurice Miller led Georgia Tech with 15. The Yellow Jackets couldn't overcome 40 percent shooting from the field and a 19-of-35 showing at the foul line.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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