USC just has Georgia’s number in basketball right now. With a 94-90 overtime win Wednesday night in Columbia, the Gamecocks have defeated the Bulldogs 8 straight times and have evened the all-time series at 58. The Gamecocks won in Athens two weeks ago by 16. This one was much tougher as it took clutch free throws and a big defensive play by Maik Kotsar to fend off the Dogs.
Inside the Gamecocks win over Georgia
- The game was tight and tense throughout. USC’s largest lead was 7 points, Georgia’s was 6. USC led for 17:56, Georgia for 17:28. The game was tied 21 times and there were 17 lead changes.
- The final minutes of regulation in such a tight game were what you would expect. Georgia led by 3 with 1:20 to play and during a timeout, Frank Martin dialed up a corner three for AJ Lawson. Lawson nailed the shot 14 seconds later to tie the game. It was one of just two shots he made all game.
- The Gamecocks took the lead with :16 to play on a pair of Maik Kotsar free throws. Anthony Edwards drove hard on the next possession and was fouled. He tied the game with free throws with :07 left. Jermaine Couisnard missed a three-pointer for the win with a second to play.
- In overtime, the Gamecocks held a 5 point lead with :22 to play. It was a 2 point lead with :04 left when Sahvir Wheeler got behind the defense for a long in-bounds pass. Wheeler steamed toward the basket but Kotsar was waiting and planted, and he drew the charge.
- Keyshawn Bryant was fouled on the in-bounds pass and he hit both free throws to finish off the game. The Gamecocks were true on 7 of their last 8 free throw attempts.
- Six Gamecocks scored in double figures with Alanzo Frink leading the way with a career high 22 points. Kotsar and Bryant each had double-doubles, Kotsar with 19 points and 10 rebounds, Bryant with 16 and 10.
- Kotsar, who is from Estonia, was playing for the first time at USC with his family in attendance. They are visiting for a couple of weeks as he finishes out his senior campaign.
- Edwards showed why he’s considered a top five NBA Draft pick. He scored 36 points, one off his career high, with a variety of jump shots and drives to the basket. He hit 4 three pointers and was also 10-12 from the line. He grabbed 7 rebounds and handed out 4 assists.
- The Gamecocks scored 54 points in the paint and that helped to make up for a 3-16 shooting performance from three and a 23-37 mark from the foul line.
- With the win, USC improves to 17-11 overall and 9-6 in the SEC. The Gamecocks play at Alabama Saturday night.
- Final Box
Frank Martin postgame press conference
