(Story courtesy Augusta University Athletics)
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Augusta University women’s basketball knocked off No. 8 nationally ranked Columbus State on the road March 7 earning an 82-71 win at the Lumpkin Center to advance to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship game.
The Jaguars improve to 20-9 overall and will play for the conference title Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m. Augusta will face Georgia College, who advanced after defeating North Georgia 65-54.
Augusta set the tone early with a dominant first quarter, jumping out to a 24-4 lead after the opening 10 minutes. The Jaguars shot 8-of-11 from the floor in the quarter and forced several turnovers that led to transition opportunities.
Columbus State responded in the second quarter, outscoring Augusta 26-12 to trim the deficit to 36-30 at halftime.
Both teams traded baskets in the third quarter as Augusta held on to a narrow advantage. The Jaguars shot 9-of-15 from the field during the period and carried a 56-54 lead into the fourth.
The Cougars briefly took their first lead early in the final quarter, but Augusta quickly responded. Camerah Langston knocked down a key three-pointer to put the Jaguars back in front, and Augusta controlled the game down the stretch. The Jaguars scored 26 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the free throw line in the closing minutes.
Elyse Autrey led Augusta with 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 3-for-3 from three-point range. She also added six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Sierra Burns provided a big spark off the bench with 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting, while Quinasia Abercrombie added 16 points and five steals. Amari Jackson finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.
Langston contributed five points, four assists, and three steals, and Sa’Niah Dorsey added five points.
Augusta shot 59.2 percent from the field and 54.5 percent from three-point range while forcing 25 Columbus State turnovers that led to 27 points.
Columbus State (25-4, 18-2 Peach Belt) was led by Letiya Reeves with 21 points. Alana Hankerson added 17 points and Samara Saunders finished with 12.
The winner of Sunday’s game earns the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Southeast Regional.
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