ATHENS – Georgia basketball went toe-to-toe with No. 18-ranked Memphis and took down the Tigers, 82-79, before an electric crowd at Stegeman Coliseum on Wednesday night.
Junior college transfer Kario Oquendo led the Bulldogs with 24 points in addition to pulling down 4 rebounds and making 2 steals.
“We feel like we can play with any other team,” said Oquendo, one of 10 newcomers on the team.
The Bulldogs (3-5) snapped a four-game losing streak in getting their first win over a ranked opponent this season.
The win against the Tigers (5-2) also marked UGA coach Tom Crean’s 400th career victory.
Virginia transfer Jabri Abdur-Rahim hit a 3-pointer with 1:53 left to give UGA a 78-77 lead, the Bulldogs’ first advantage since the 1:59 mark of the first half.
Moments later, Oquendo turned a steal into a breakaway dunk to extend the Bulldogs’ lead.
A free throw from Jailyn Ingram followed by a Landers Nolly II dunk made the score 81-79, Georgia. One final free throw from freshman Christian Wright scored the final point of the game.
Memphis Emoni Bates missed a desperation 3-point attempt from near half-court at the buzzer, and the Bulldogs celebrated.
Wright started in place of veteran Gonzaga transfer Aaron Cook, who was ill, and scored 17 points with 6 rebounds and had just one turnover against a Memphis team that entered the night leading the nation in forcing turnovers.
Nolly II led the Tigers with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists.
Georgia basketball will play host to Jacksonville at 7 p.m. on Dec. 7.