2014 NIT: Vermont vs Georgia recap: Bulldogs survive scare from Catamounts

Charles Mann scored 25 of his career-best 29 points in the second half as the Georgia Bulldogs come from behind to defeat Vermont 63-56 and advance to the second round of the 2014 NIT Tournament.

Georgia trailed 54-49 after a Luke Apfeld jumper with just five minutes left in the game. Mann scored eight of the Bulldogs next 12 points as Georgia finished the game with a 12-2 run to escape with the victory. Georgia survives despite a sloppy and often times unfocused effort thanks to the performance of Mann.

Mann connected on 8-11 shots but did the majority of his damage from the free throw line where he was 12-13. He stayed aggressive despite committing seven of the Bulldogs' 22 turnovers and Georgia needed every big play he made down the stretch.

The Bulldogs had several opportunities throughout the first half to pad their lead but turnovers kept Vermont in the game. Georgia turned the ball over 13 times in the first half and led 29-20 at the break. They continued to be sloppy in the second half and the Catamounts continued to chip away at the lead. Vermont finally stormed in front midway through the second half with a 13-0 run that put them up 47-38.

In the end, the athleticism and determination of Mann in front of a loud crowd at Stegeman Coliseum was too much for the Catamounts.

Mann's 29 points led all scorers. Marcus Thornton added 16 including a perfect 8-8 from the free throw line. As a team Georgia converted on 24-26 opportunities while Vermont managed to go just 6-15. Sando Carissimo led the Catamounts with 11 points and Candon Rusin added 10.

Georgia will host Louisiana Tech on Saturday with tip off scheduled for 11 a.m.