WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP) — Daivien Williamson had 24 points, Tyree Appleby scored 22, and Wake Forest turned back Georgia 81-71 on Friday night.
Williamson sank 7 of 13 shots with three 3-pointers for Wake Forest (2-0). Appleby added six rebounds and six assists. Davion Bradford buried all five of his shots and scored 11.
Williamson had 15 points in the first half to help the Demon Deacons take a commanding 41-22 lead at the break.
Mardrez McBride scored all 13 of his points in the second half and Georgia used a three-point play by Justin Hill and a 3-pointer by Terry Roberts to pull within 73-65 with 1:21 left to play. Two free throws by Appleby ended the Bulldogs' 18-7 run and wrapped up the win for Wake Forest.
Roberts added 13 points and five assists for Georgia (1-1). Kario Oquendo had 12 points and KyeRon Lindsay scored 10 before fouling out.
The Demon Deacons shot just under 51% from the floor and made 9 of 26 from 3-point range. The Bulldogs shot 41.9% overall and hit 8 of 27 from distance.
Georgia is led by first-year coach Mike White, who joined the Bulldogs after seven seasons as coach of the Florida Gators. Appleby played for White in his last two seasons at Florida.
The Bulldogs are 4-3 all-time versus Wake Forest.
