(Story courtesy Augusta University Athletics)
Kyndon Wilburg and DaRon Dunbar turned in career nights Wednesday, helping Augusta nearly erase a 15-point halftime deficit, but USC Beaufort escaped Christenberry Fieldhouse with a 91-90 Peach Belt Conference win in front of 1,684 fans on Greek Night.
USC Beaufort came out hot and piled up 53 first-half points, shooting 8-for-16 from three in the opening half. The Sand Sharks used transition buckets and timely threes to build a double-digit lead and took a 53-38 advantage into the break.
Augusta responded immediately after halftime. Dunbar knocked down a three early in the second half to spark the comeback, and the Jaguars continued to cut into the margin behind steady pressure and finishes inside. Wilburg helped set the tone during the rally with key plays on both ends as Augusta climbed back within striking distance.
With under four minutes to play, Elías Pálsson hit a three to bring Augusta within three. The Jaguars kept coming, and Evan Joyner’s layup with 1:02 left tied the game at 90-90. USC Beaufort regained the lead at the line in the final seconds, and Augusta’s last look at the buzzer was just off the mark.
Pálsson led Augusta with 23 points. Joyner added 19 points, while Dunbar finished with 15 points and Wilburg scored 13 to cap career nights in the one-point decision.
Augusta heads to Georgia Southwestern on Jan. 31 before returning home for the annual Stuff the Stadium – Teddy Bear Toss game on Feb. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to bring a new stuffed animal to throw onto the court when Augusta scores its first point
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