It was the seventh straight win for the Volunteers (17-2, 4-1 Southeastern Conference) over the Bulldogs (11-6, 2-2), who were playing their first Top 25 opponent.
Lofton, who has only averaged 13.8 points this season compared to 20.8 as a junior, hit his first three 2.5 minutes in to put the Vols up 5-2.
He didn't stop there. Lofton finished the half with 20 points after going 7-for-9 from the field including 6-for-8 on three-pointers. With every three he made, Thompson-Boling Arena erupted into cheers.
His 20 first-half points nearly outscored Georgia as Tennessee took a 44-23 lead.
Tennessee built on its lead in the second half with help from Tyler Smith's 17 points and nine rebounds.
Sundiata Gaines led Georgia with 20 points while Billy Humphrey and Dave Bliss both added 15 points, and Chris Barnes grabbed nine rebounds.
Sundiata Gaines
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