ATHENS — Jasmine Hassell scored 16 points and No. 18 Georgia overcame a slow start to beat Chattanooga 79-69 on Friday night in Andy Landers’ 1,000th game as the Lady Bulldogs’ coach.

Landers is 752-248 in his 31st season at Georgia.

Porsha Phillips had 15 points and 12 rebounds for Georgia (2-0), which trailed late in the first half as Chattanooga had a hot start from beyond the 3-point line.

Jasmine James had 14 points and Tamika Willis had 12 for Georgia.

Georgia led 71-53 before two late 3-pointers by Meghan Downes helped the Lady Mocs pull closer.

Tenisha Townsend led Chattanooga (0-3) with 15 points. Whitney Hood had 12 and Kayla Christopher added 11.

Chattanooga was coming off a 103-43 loss to Tennessee on Monday. With their 3-point shot working in the first half, the Lady Mocs were better prepared for their second test of the week against a Southeastern Conference team.

There were 18 lead changes in the first half. Chattanooga, which made 10 of 16 3-point attempts in the half, took its last lead at 40-39 on two free throws by Kylie Lambert. Georgia closed the half with a 7-0 run for a 46-40 lead.

Chattanooga made 13 of 26 from 3-point range in the game.

The Lady Bulldogs opened the second half with a 10-4 run and kept the lead in double figures for the final 12 minutes.