(Story courtesy Augusta University and USC Aiken)
The Augusta women’s basketball team claimed a commanding 67-37 victory over rival USC Aiken on Saturday afternoon at the Convocation Center.
Augusta set the tone early, building a 19-10 lead in the first quarter behind sharp shooting and tight defense. The Jaguars held USC Aiken to single digits in both the third and fourth quarters, while a 23-point fourth quarter sealed the dominant win.
The women’s team shot 41% from the floor with the Pacers only making one-third of their shots. The Pacer did fare better at the free throw line making 75% of them while the Jags shot 68.8%
Yamani Paul of Augusta led all scorers with 13 points, adding 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Quinasia Abercrombie contributed 12 points, 9 rebounds, and a steal, while Brianna Meekins posted 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Nyaneit Puok added 9 points, including two three-pointers, and Amari Jackson contributed 7 points and 2 rebounds off the bench. Mone Florence finished with 8 points, going a perfect 3-3 from the free-throw line.
For USC-Aiken Serena Baker posted an 11-point, five-rebound effort. Paris Webster netted nine points while Kendall Parker tallied eight points. Sami Bardonaro hit a pair of three-point shots while Riley Simmons chipped in three points.
Gracie Huffard pulled down a team-best seven boards in 16 minutes of work. She also dished out a game-high three assists. Simmons added five boards while Bardonaro snagged four.
The Jaguars’ defense forced 22 turnovers, converting them into 32 points. Augusta also dominated in the paint, scoring 34 points compared to USC Aiken’s 10, while the bench contributed a remarkable 45 points in the win.
The win improves the Jaguars’ record to 11-3 overall and 3-1 in Peach Belt Conference play. The Pacers are now 3-11 on the season, including 0-4 in PBC play
Augusta returns to Christenberry Fieldhouse to host Flagler in Peach Belt Conference action on Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m., while the Pacers host Georgia Southwestern at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 15.
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