Tampa, FL -- (Sports Network) - Kodi Augustus came off the bench to score a career-best 19 points, as he led the Mississippi State Bulldogs over the Georgia Bulldogs, 79-60, in first round action of the SEC Tournament at St. Pete Times Forum.

Jarvis Varnado added a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds for Mississippi State (20-12), while Ravern Johnson contributed 12 points in the win.

Terrance Woddbury posted 14 points and pulled down seven caroms for Georgia (12-20), while Trey Thompkins chipped in with 12 points in the losing effort.

Mississippi State was relentless at the offensive end of the court in the opening frame, shooting 51.7 percent from the field, while taking a commanding 40-26 lead into the break.

Georgia closed to within five points midway through the second stanza, but Mississippi State pulled away with a 22-6 run. The Bulldogs from Starkville shot a strong 50.0 percent from the floor in the last 20 minutes of action, and went on to win by a comfortable 19-point margin.

Mississippi State's bench poured in 33 points in the contest, while Georgia's reserves tallied just 17 points.

Mississippi State will now advance to the quarterfinals where the Bulls will take on the South Carolina Gamecocks.