(Editor’s note: Columns may contain opinions.)
The Augusta University Jaguars (0-4) dropped their fourth consecutive game Wednesday night, falling 79-62 to the Fayetteville State Broncos (4-1) at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
The Jaguars kept the game close in the first half, trailing just 40-33 at the break, but the Broncos
pulled away after halftime behind standout performances from Ezekiel Cannedy (23 points) and
Tairell Fletcher (22 points). Demetri Gardner led Augusta with 21 points in the loss.
Here are five takeaways from the game:
The pressure is mounting—when will it break?
The Jaguars entered the game winless after dropping their first three matchups against Mount
Olive, Barton College, and Florida Southern College. Coach Dip Metress, in his 20th season at
Augusta, has never started a season 0-4.
The schedule ahead doesn’t offer much relief, with the Jaguars embarking on a challenging
three-game road trip in search of their first win.
See More: In pictures: Jags off to 0-4 start after Nov. 20 loss
Size matters—missing Amadasun hurt
Augusta’s struggles in the paint were evident as they played without 6-foot-9 center Max
Amadasun, who served a one-game suspension following a flagrant 2 foul in the loss to Florida
Southern on Nov. 17.
Freshman Luis Nonfon stepped into the starting role but managed just four rebounds. The
Jaguars were outrebounded by a smaller Broncos team, 33-28, underscoring their reliance on
Amadasun’s presence in the post.
Turnovers continue to haunt Augusta
The Jaguars’ turnover woes persisted, committing 14 giveaways while forcing just eight. The
Broncos capitalized, scoring 21 points off turnovers. Augusta entered the game averaging 19
turnovers per contest while forcing only 12.7—a critical issue the team has yet to address.
Three-point shooting and defense are lacking
The Jaguars struggled on both ends of the three-point battle. Gardner led Augusta with three
made triples, but the team as a whole failed to find consistent outside shooting—a role filled last
season by Ja’Queze Kirby, who did not return for his senior year.
On defense, Augusta continued to allow opponents too much space beyond the arc. Fayetteville
State drained six three-pointers, with Cannedy hitting five of them, adding to the Jaguars’ season
average of 7.3 three-pointers allowed per game.
Halftime adjustments remain elusive
Trailing 40-33 at halftime, the Jaguars again failed to make the adjustments needed to turn the game around. Augusta has struggled in the second half all season, being outscored by a combined 38 points in their first three games. The trend continued against Fayetteville State, with the Broncos outscoring the Jaguars by 10 points after the break.
Looking Ahead
The Jaguars will look to right the ship as they hit the road for three games, searching for their first victory of the season. They will face off against Benedict College, Virginia Union University and Chowan University.
Jaxon Garner is an Augusta University student.
