BOX SCORE

GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS —Sophomore forward Rayshaun Hammonds scored a career-high 31 points as Georgia started fast and never looked back en route to an 80-68 victory past Illinois State in the opening round of the Cayman Islands Classic Monday.
 
Georgia  (3-1) will face No. 19 ranked Clemson (4-0) in a semifinal round game Tuesday, while Illinois State will meet Akron in the consolation round.
 
The Bulldogs shot a sizzling 61.5 percent from the floor, making 8 of 13 shots in the opening eight minutes racing to a 24-7cushion. Hammonds scored six straight points in a 69-second span to stake the Bulldogs to a 16-2 lead.
 
“Our guys really came out from the beginning, and they got it back on their heels which was going to be important for the team” said Georgia head coach Tom Crean. “They played quick, and they really shot the ball well. 
 
“We knew they (Illinois State) were going to make a run, and much like we have in the past, we were able to answer it, stop it, and move forward. We are going to need every bit of that and more for Clemson tomorrow.
 
Georgia sophomore forward Nicolas Claxton enjoyed his second double-double in four games with a career-high 22 points and 11 rebounds .
 
Guard Milik Yarbough led the Redbirds with 20 points and eight rebounds.
 
Illinois State (2-2) dug itself in a hole shooting just 25 percent from the floor in the first half as Georgia enjoyed a 47-26 halftime lead.
 
Guard William Tinsley, hitting four treys, added 14 points for Illinois State. Illinois State’s Phil Fayne tied a career high with four blocked shots.