Georgia pulls away from SC Upstate, 72-48

Georgia pulled away with a 24-6 run in the second half and beat turnover-prone South Carolina-Upstate 72-48 on Friday night in the Spartans' first game against an SEC team in 23 years.

Zac Swansey and freshman Travis Leslie each had 11 points for Georgia (1-0), which had 20 steals in its opening win. Ricky McPhee and Terrance Woodbury each added 10 points.

The Bulldogs led only 30-26 just three minutes into the second half before taking control with the 24-6 run for a 54-32 lead. Terrance Woodbury capped the run with a fast-break dunk.

Carter Cook led South Carolina-Upstate (0-1) with 11 points. Bobby Davis added nine points and 12 rebounds.

South Carolina-Upstate committed 29 turnovers in its first game against a Southeastern Conference team since losing at Mississippi on Nov. 30, 1985.