Sat Jan 26 21:56:15 2008

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Lofton's long-range game propels Vols over Bulldogs

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Knoxville, TN (Sports Network) - Chris Lofton poured in a season-high 27 points, as the third-ranked Tennessee Volunteers dismantled the Georgia Bulldogs, 85-69, at Thompson-Boling Arena.

Tyler Smith had 17 points to go along with nine assists and seven rebounds for the Volunteers (17-2, 4-1 SEC), who bounced back from a 72-66 loss to Kentucky on Tuesday that snapped an 11-game win streak. Duke Crews added nine points and eight rebounds in the win.

Sundiata Gaines tallied 20 points for the Bulldogs (11-6, 2-2), who had a two- game winning streak halted. Dave Bliss and Billy Humphrey donated 15 points apiece in the loss.

The game was uncontested from the start. Tennessee raced out to a 15-4 advantage after J.P. Prince converted 1-of-2 from the line. Ramar Smith sank a jumper to make it a 28-11 game with about six minutes to play and Tennessee carried a 44-23 lead into the break.

Jordan Howell knocked down a trey to give the Vols a 55-31 advantage five minutes into the second half. JaJuan Smith's layup with about seven minutes left made it 73-51 and Tennessee cruised to the finish.

Game Notes

Tennessee holds an 86-51 lead in the series...Tennessee shot 57.1 percent from the floor, while the Bulldogs made only 40.6 percent of their shots...The Vols defense forced 21 turnovers...Tennessee held a 40-37 edge in rebounds...Lofton converted 7-of-13 shots from beyond the arc.