ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Kanon Catchings scored 16 points, and Blue Cain added 15 as Georgia opened its season with a 78-62 win over North Carolina Central on Monday.

The Bulldogs took control late in the first half after trailing 13-10. Georgia responded with a 25-6 stretch, getting 3-pointers from Catchings, Marcus Millender and Brady Dunlap along the way, and carried a 41-28 lead into halftime.

NC Central cut the deficit to 47-38 with 14:30 remaining, but Georgia answered and kept the Eagles from getting any closer.

Georgia forced 19 turnovers and finished with 13 steals. Millender also added 12 points and four assists.

Cristian Sanon led NC Central with 19 points, making 5 of 7 from 3-point range. Maurice Vassel and Trey Brown each scored 10 points, with Brown adding nine rebounds.

Georgia shot 44% from the field despite making just 6 of 26 from behind the arc.

Georgia: Hosts Presbyterian on Friday.

NC Central: At Longwood on Saturday.

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