Gaines, Mann each score 22 points as Georgia holds off Alabama 66-58 to move to 2-0 in SEC

Georgia guard Juwan Parker (3) makes a three-point-shot despite a hand in the face from Alabama guard Trevor Releford (12) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/The Banner-Herald, Richard Hamm) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

Alabama forward Shannon Hale (11) tries to stop Georgia forward Nemanja Djurisic (42) drive to the basket during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/The Banner-Herald, Richard Hamm) MAGS OUT; MANDATORY CREDIT (The Associated Press)

ATHENS, Ga. – Kenny Gaines and Charles Mann each scored 22 points and Georgia overcame its worst shooting performance of the season to beat Alabama 66-58 on Saturday.

Georgia (8-6, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) made only 15 of 46 shots from the field (33 percent). Alabama (7-8, 1-1) also struggled, making only 37 percent of its shots.

Gaines set a career scoring high. Mann, who made 13 of 17 free throws, finished two points below his career high for the Bulldogs, who beat No. 21 Missouri in their SEC opener on Wednesday. No other Georgia player scored in double figures.

Trevor Releford led Alabama with 17 points, including 15 in the second half. Rodney Cooper had 15 and Shannon Hale had 14.

Marcus Thornton scored the first basket of the second half to give Georgia its biggest lead at 41-28.