(Story courtesy augustajags.com)
RICHMOND, VA – The Augusta University men’s basketball team made 14 straight free throws in the final four minutes to give them a 81-74 road win over Virginia Union Saturday afternoon. With the victory, the Jaguars are now 2-4 while the Panthers are 4-4 on the young season.
Demitri Gardner led AU with 23 points and 11 rebounds and hit on all eight of his free throws, several of them coming in the closing moments of the game. Maximillian Amadasun also nearly registered a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Evan Joyner netted 14 points while John St. Germain III hit for double figures scoring 12 points.
Augusta trailed 41-37 at the half before Chaevon Torrance and TJ Baker scored early back-to-back buckets to start the second half knotting the score at 41. They would take the lead for good on a Gardner three pointer as they rattled off seven straight points.
The Jaguars made just 40% of their shots from the field but made 21 of 22 free throws that proved to be the difference. Augusta also hit on six of 18 three pointers compared to just four for the Panthers. Augusta out rebounded Virginia Union by nine.
Baker, making his second straight start for the Jags, dished out four assists while scoring five points and coming up with a couple of rebounds.
Joyner, who has been battling a foot injury in the first part of the season, had his best game of the young season. His 14 points came on four of five shooting from the field and was a perfect five of five from the free throw lines including a couple of big ones in the closing minute to secure the win.
Augusta will be right back in action on Sunday when they take on Chowan University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee with tip-off scheduled for 1 p.m.
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