Georgia opens Tom Crean era with exhibition win over UAB

(Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire)

Georgia took the court for its first exhibition game of the Tom Crean era on Wednesday night and picked up a 56-54 victory over UAB at Bartow Arena.

The Bulldogs trailed by four with 4:40 remaining, but it was sophomore Rayshaun Hammonds that led the charge back for Crean’s squad.

Hammonds finished with a team-high 13 points and nine rebounds – including six offensive rebounds – in 21 minutes of action.

Nic Claxton and JoJo Toppin each added eight points for the Bulldogs.

Zach Bryant led the way for UAB with 14 points while Jalen Perry added 12.

Georgia grabbed a 43-35 edge on the glass, but struggled to take care of the ball in committing 20 turnovers.

The Bulldogs will look to clean things up when they host West Georgia for an exhibition on Nov. 1 before tipping off the regular season on Nov. 9 against Savannah State.