MBB: Bulldogs begin Mike White era with a win over Western Carolina

Georgia guard Justin Hill (11) during Georgia’s game against Western Carolina at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Ga., on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. (Photo by Tony Walsh)

ATHENS — The new Georgia men’s basketball era under Mike White started on a high note.

The Bulldogs defeated Western Carolina 68-55 in the season opener under their new head coach.

Kario Oquendo led Georgia in scoring with 18 points. He shot 63 percent from the field and had a 50 percent mark at the 3-point line. Frank Anselem also had a productive night with 11 points. The Syracuse transfer shot 71 percent from the field and had four rebounds.

The Bulldogs struggled from the field at first, holding a 4-3 lead at the 14:46 mark of the first half. They then finally got into a rhythm and outscored the Catamounts 33-19 from that point on. Georgia held a 37-22 advantage over Western Carolina at the half with momentum.

However, the Catamounts didn’t go away and came out in the second half firing on all cylinders. They jumped out to an 18-5 run and trailed 42-40 with 13 minutes remaining. Tre Jackson had nine points and hit three consecutive 3-pointers during that span.