(Story courtesy Augusta University Athletics)
COLUMBUS, Ga. – For the first time in 33 years, the Augusta University women’s basketball team is the Peach Belt Conference Tournament champion.
The Jaguars claimed the title Sunday afternoon with a 61-56 win over Georgia College at the Lumpkin Center, securing the program’s first PBC Tournament championship since 1993 and earning the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Southeast Regional.
The regional field and host site will be announced Sunday night, March 8, during the NCAA selection show. The NCAA Southeast Regional is scheduled for March 13-16.
Augusta improved to 21-9 overall with the win, while Georgia College closed its season at 14-17.
Quinasia Abercrombie led Augusta with 19 points, including several key baskets in the opening half as the Jaguars built an early cushion. Amari Jackson added 13 points and nine rebounds, while Elyse Autrey finished with eight points, five rebounds, and three assists. Sierra Burns scored seven points off the bench, Sa’Niah Dorsey added six points and six steals, and Camerah Langston chipped in six points.
Abercrombie, Jackson, and Autrey were all named to the Peach Belt Conference All-Tournament Team, with Abercrombie earning Tournament MVP honors.
Augusta came out sharp from the opening tip and controlled the first quarter. Jackson scored the game’s first basket in the paint, Autrey followed with a jumper, and Abercrombie added early offense as the Jaguars opened on a 9-0 run. Dorsey knocked down a three, Burns scored at the line, and Langston buried a three-pointer late in the quarter before Abercrombie converted in transition at the buzzer to give Augusta a 20-9 lead after one.
The Jaguars kept the pressure on in the second quarter. Autrey scored inside early, Abercrombie added another basket in the lane, and Byard pushed the lead to 26-12 with a jumper. Dorsey came up with a steal and fastbreak layup, Langston hit a three, and Abercrombie scored in transition and again just before halftime as Augusta carried a 37-23 advantage into the break.
Georgia College made its push in the third quarter, trimming the deficit to single digits behind strong play from Natalia Bolden and Caroline Beavin. Jackson answered with back-to-back baskets, including a fastbreak layup, while Abercrombie and Dorsey helped Augusta maintain control. A late three from Dorsey and a jumper by Byard sent the Jaguars into the fourth quarter with a 49-41 lead.
The Bobcats continued to fight in the final period and eventually tied the game at 56-56 with 3:41 to play. Burns answered with a jumper to put Augusta back in front, and the Jaguars closed the game at the foul line. Jackson made two free throws with 18 seconds remaining, and Abercrombie added one more in the closing seconds to seal the championship.
Augusta forced 19 turnovers and turned them into 24 points while also recording 13 steals. The Jaguars scored 34 points in the paint and shot 42.9 percent from the field.
Georgia College was led by Bolden with 16 points and Beavin with 15.
The Jaguars now await their NCAA Southeast Regional destination, which will be announced Sunday night.
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