MBB: Oquendo powers Bulldogs past South Carolina

Georgia’s Kario Oquendo (3) during a game against South Carolina at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, Jan 28, 2023. (Photo by Tony Walsh)

ATHENS — Georgia men’s basketball won an 81-78 thriller over South Carolina as point guard Kario Oquendo scored eight of his 16 points in overtime on Saturday night.

Despite shooting 33.3 percent from the field, Oquendo got to the foul line several times. The Bulldogs’ junior shot 66.7 percent (10-of-15) overall from the charity stripe in the win.

Georgia head coach Mike White highlighted that Oquendo gained confidence after his outing.

“Kario struggled from the line a little bit but stepped up with his level of poise or swagger,” White said. “He stepped up with confidence and converted at the end when it counted the most.”