The Georgia Bulldogs defeated the visiting Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 79-72 in front of a raucous crowd of 10,503 on Wednesday

night. Guard Billy Humphrey led all players in scoring with 23 points, while adding four rebounds and three steals.

"Our guard play tonight was critical," said coach Dennis Felton. "We got into some foul trouble with Dave (Bliss) and Jeremy (Price)early on and our backcourt really picked up the slack."

Joining Humphrey in that backcourt was senior guard Sundiata Gaines, who had a fine game of his own. Gaines contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists in the victorious effort. Guard Corey Butler added eleven points of his own in a reserve role.

"Corey played huge for us tonight," said Felton. "He really epitomizes the intensity and aggression that I have wanted our team to play with and tonight he helped lead the way."

The first half of action was back and forth until the Bulldogs went on a nine point run over a nearly three minute span. Georgia took the lead with 10:21 remaining in the first period and never gave it back.

Georgia Tech tied the game with 10:05 left in the second half, but a Corey Butler three pointer returned the lead to the Dogs. Another Butler three pointer with 1:38 remaining sealed the win for Georgia and sent the near-sellout crowd into a frenzy.

Maurice Miller was the leading scorer for the Yellow Jackets with 15 points. Anthony Morrow added 14 and Lewis Clinch had 11.

Georgia plays the Mississippi State Bulldogs next on Saturday January 12 in Starkville. The game tips at 2:00 p.m.