(Story courtesy Augusta University Athletics)
BELMONT, N.C. – Elyse Autrey finished with a game-high 20 points, but Augusta came up short Dec. 20, falling 68–59 to Belmont Abbey at the Wheeler Center.
The Jaguars opened the game with good pace and took an early lead behind an Autrey three and a fast-break finish. Augusta stayed in front for much of the first quarter before Belmont Abbey closed the period with a late run to take a 16–15 edge.
Belmont Abbey built a five-point halftime lead and then created separation in the third quarter, outscoring Augusta 23–7 to stretch the margin to 54–33 entering the fourth.
Augusta responded with its best offensive quarter of the game, scoring 26 points in the final period. Autrey attacked the rim and knocked down a late three, while Quinasia Abercrombie and Cierra McGinlay added buckets as the Jaguars trimmed the deficit to single digits in the closing minutes. Belmont Abbey, however, sealed the win at the free-throw line.
Autrey went 8-for-13 from the field and added five assists. Abercrombie recorded 13 points and nine rebounds, and McGinlay finished with 12 points on four three-pointers. Nadiyah Byard added eight points, six rebounds, and four steals.
Augusta returns home on New Year’s Eve, hosting Converse to close out the calendar year.
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