(Story courtesy Augusta University)
The Augusta men’s basketball team extended its winning streak to eight games with a thrilling 79-75 come-from-behind win over No. 19 Columbus State on Jan, 4 at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The victory improves Augusta to 8-4 overall and 2-0 in Peach Belt Conference play, while handing Columbus State just their second loss of the season, dropping them to 10-2 and 1-1 in conference action.
The final five minutes of the game showcased Augusta’s grit and composure. After trailing 71-65 with just over five minutes remaining, Demitri Gardner sparked a comeback with a pair of free throws at the 4:13 mark, cutting the deficit to four. Max Amadasun followed with a clutch three-pointer, narrowing Columbus State’s lead to 73-70 with 3:17 left.
John St. Germain III then drove into the paint for a layup, bringing Augusta within one at 73-72 with 2:40 on the clock. Moments later, Luis Nonfon capitalized on an offensive rebound with a go-ahead layup, giving the Jaguars a 74-73 lead at the 2:04 mark. Nonfon added a free throw to push the lead to two.
With the game tied at 75 after a Columbus State jumper, St. Germain III delivered again, hitting a layup with 30 seconds left to put Augusta ahead 77-75. Gardner sealed the victory by stealing the ball with six seconds remaining and converting two clutch free throws with two seconds left, giving the Jaguars a four-point lead. Max Amadasun’s defensive rebound on Columbus State’s final three-point attempt secured the win.
Gardner led all scorers with 28 points, shooting 9-15 from the field and a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line. He also added three rebounds and two steals, including the critical takeaway in the final seconds. Amadasun contributed a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while St. Germain III added 12 points, five assists, and the decisive layup. Nonfon and Elias Palsson chipped in with key contributions down the stretch.
The Jaguars will hit the road for their next game on at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, when they face Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia. Augusta will then travel to Aiken for a rivalry matchup against USC Aiken at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.
Augusta Good News is an award-winning member of the Georgia Press Association. Sign up for our weekly newsletter here.
