ATHENS — Erika Ford had 20 points on Thursday night as Georgia jumped to a big lead early and repelled a late challenge to defeat the No. 19 LSU women 71-67.

Shacobia Barbee made two free throws to put Georgia (18-8, 6-7 SEC) up by four with 14 seconds left and LSU (18-8, 7-6) didn't get another shot from there.

Jeanne Keeney's 3-pointer for LSU made it 69-67 with 24 seconds left.

After LSU took an early 4-2 lead, Georgia scored 20 straight points, capped by Barbee's 3-pointer for a 22-4 lead with 9:53 left in the first half. Barbee finished with 13 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

LSU closed within 57-55 with 4:14 left. The Lady Tigers cut the deficit down to two points four more times but never got closer.

Theresa Plaisance had 29 points and eight rebounds to lead LSU. Kenney scored 17 and Danielle Ballard added 11.