Marcus Thornton helps lead Georgia past Colorado

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — Marcus Thornton scored 16 points, including a basket that started Georgia’s 16-0 run late in the first half, and the Bulldogs held off Josh Scott and Colorado 64-57 on Sunday.

Georgia (5-3) scored the final 12 points of the first half and continued the run with the first two baskets of the second half for a 38-22 lead.

Scott had 18 points, including 12 in the second half, and 11 rebounds.

Colorado (5-2) pulled to with six points at 57-51 on a 3-pointer by Xavier Johnson, who had 10 points, with 1:07 remaining. Juwan Parker and J.J. Frazier combined for five free throws to push the lead back to 11 points.

Askia Booker led Colorado with 20 points, including three baskets in the final minute.

Georgia lost starting guard Kenny Gaines to a shoulder injury in the second half.

A 3-pointer by Johnson pulled Colorado even with Georgia at 22-22 with 4:11 remaining in the first half. It was the Buffaloes’ final basket of the half.

An offensive rebound and basket by Thornton started the 12-0 run for the Bulldogs. Thornton also made two free throws in the run, while Nemanja Djurisic and J.J. Frazier hit 3-pointers.

Colorado’s scoring drought extended three minutes into the second half before a layup by Booker ended Georgia’s 16-0 run.

Gaines remained on the floor for a few minutes before being helped off the court and to the locker room with the shoulder injury midway through the second half. Johnson appeared to fall on top of Gaines as each dove for a loose ball. Johnson drew a foul on the play.

There was no immediate update from Georgia on the severity of Gaines’ injury. He did not return to Georgia’s bench.