(Story courtesy Augusta University Athletics)
Tobias Prall poured in a game-high 23 points, including six three-pointers, as Augusta used a dominant second half to defeat Reinhardt, 97-62, Thursday morning at George A. Christenberry Fieldhouse during Columbia County Education Day.
More than 2,500 fifth graders from Columbia County filled the stands for the late-morning tip, following Richmond County Education Day earlier this month on Dec. 2. The Jaguars improved to 7-7 overall and 2-2 in Peach Belt Conference play.
Reinhardt struck first, opening the game with an early basket before Augusta responded with a three from Camryn Pacheco to even the score. The teams traded baskets through the opening minutes, with Prall and Elías Pálsson each connecting from long range as the Jaguars built a small cushion. Reinhardt answered to keep things tight, and after multiple lead changes, Augusta carried a slim 36-31 advantage into halftime.
The game turned quickly after the break. Prall opened the second half with a layup and followed with a three on the next possession to push the lead to double figures. After a Reinhardt basket, Prall buried another three from the wing, sparking a stretch where Augusta scored on six straight possessions. A dunk from Daniel Daramola in transition and a pair of fast-break finishes from Pálsson forced a Reinhardt timeout with the Jaguars in control.
Augusta continued to apply pressure on both ends. Charlie McBeath scored inside off an offensive rebound, Camryn Pacheco knocked down a three, and Matias Zanotto added a jumper in the lane as the lead ballooned past 20. By the under-8 media timeout, the Jaguars had turned a five-point halftime edge into a commanding margin.
The bench kept the momentum rolling late. Carlton Young finished a breakaway dunk, DaRon Dunbar connected from beyond the arc, and Kyndon Wilburg added a layup in transition as Augusta eclipsed the 90-point mark. The Jaguars outscored Reinhardt 61-31 in the second half while shooting over 60 percent after halftime.
Prall finished 8-for-16 from the field and 6-for-12 from three to lead Augusta. Pálsson added 14 points, McBeath posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Daramola and Young scored eight apiece. Pacheco chipped in eight points with three assists, and TJ Baker added seven points and five assists.
Augusta finished with 12 three-pointers, forced 20 turnovers, and scored 26 fast-break points while getting 40 points from the bench.
Next up, Augusta travels to Columbus State on Saturday, Dec. 20 for a Peach Belt Conference matchup. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m.
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