(Courtesy Augusta University)
COLUMBUS, Ga. – Augusta University’ men’s basketball team concluded its season with a 94-79 loss to No. 10 Lenoir-Rhyne in the NCAA Tournament March 15.
The Jaguars finish the season at 19-11, gaining valuable postseason experience with a young roster. With the exception of Demitri Gardner, none of the other Jaguars had played in an NCAA Tournament game prior to Saturday. The game also marked the final collegiate appearance for Peach Belt All-Conference performer Max Amadasun.
Augusta started strong, trading baskets early before Amadasun opened the scoring with a three-pointer. The Jaguars built a five-point lead midway through the first half, but Lenoir-Rhyne responded with a 10-0 run to regain control. The Bears shot 65.2% from the field in the first half and hit 6-of-9 from beyond the arc, giving them a 47-36 lead at halftime.
The Jaguars came out firing in the second half, shooting 69.6% from the field, but struggled to slow down Lenoir-Rhyne’s efficient offense. A fastbreak layup from John St. Germain III cut the deficit to single digits, but Lenoir-Rhyne answered with key baskets each time Augusta threatened.
Amadasun and Gardner led Augusta with 21 points each, with Amadasun going 9-for-15 from the field in his final game. Elias Palsson contributed 18 points and seven rebounds, going a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line. St. Germain III finished with 13 points and seven assists, facilitating the offense throughout.
Lenoir-Rhyne finished the game shooting 59.3% from the field and 57.9% from beyond the arc, while Augusta was held to 3-of-15 from deep.
Lenior-Rhyne advances to face the University of South Carolina Aiken Pacers who beat Catawba 80-71 Saturday. Tip off is set for 5 p.m. Sunday.
Augusta Good News is an award-winning member of the Georgia Press Association. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.
