ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - Rayshaun Hammonds had 26 points, Anthony Edwards scored 16 of his 18 points in the second half and Georgia beat state rival Georgia Tech 82-78 on Wednesday night to continue its recent hold on the series.

Michael Devoe led Georgia Tech (2-1) with a career-high 34 points and 10 rebounds to continue his high-scoring start to the season. Devoe had 22 points in each of the Yellow Jackets' first two games.

Georgia kept its lead in double figures most of the second half before weathering Devoe's late spree of three 3-pointers.

Donnell Gresham, who had 13 points, sank four free throws for Georgia in the final 30 seconds.

Georgia earned its fifth straight win over Georgia Tech. It is the Bulldogs' longest winning streak in the state rivalry since a seven-game streak from 1980-83, when the teams played more than once each season.

Junior guard Jose Alvarado, Georgia Tech's leader in scoring, assists and steals last season, had two points and two assists in his return after missing one game with an ankle injury. He sat out most of the second half.

Alvarado appeared to favor the ankle at times and worked on an exercise cycle behind the Georgia Tech bench when he was taken out of the game.

The Yellow Jackets stayed close, trailing 35-27 at halftime, as Devoe had 14 points.

Georgia Tech's comeback attempt was hurt by its poor free-throw shooting. The Yellow Jackets made only 12 of 23 free throws.

BIG PICTURE

Georgia Tech: Alvarado left the game about five minutes into the second half and did not return. Despite Devoe's strong play, Alvarado's all-around skills were missed. The Yellow Jackets struggled to generate offense to support Devoe's lead role.

UP NEXT

Georgia Tech: The Yellow Jackets face another Southeastern Conference team when Arkansas visits Atlanta on Monday night. The game opens a stretch of four home games in 13 days.