ATHENS -- Merritt Hempe scored 17 points and Shacobia Barbee added 16 as No. 22 Georgia reeled off several impressive scoring runs to defeat Georgia Southern 93-52 on Tuesday night.<br />
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The Lady Bulldogs (5-0) had several potent scorers - Tiara Griffin scored 14 points all in the first half including four 3-pointers, Erika Ford scored 15 and Pachis Roberts and Mackenzie Engram added nine each. The Bulldogs hit 50.7 percent from the field (37-73) and had as many defensive rebounds (29) as Georgia Southern had total. Georgia owned a 43-29 advantage on the boards and forced 32 turnovers with 23 steals.<br />
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Georgia opened on a 19-4 run and closed the half 16-0.<br />
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Patrice Butler scored a career-high 13 points for the Eagles (1-3), including 10 of the team's 22 points by halftime.<br />
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The win is No. 848 for coach Andy Landers. Only six Division I coaches have reached 850 wins at a single school.
