(Courtesy augustajags.com)
CLEMSON, S.C. – In their first tune-up for the regular season, Augusta University’s men’s basketball team fell to Division I foe Clemson 90-49 in an exhibition game at Littlejohn Coliseum, in Clemson, S.C. The Jaguars were led by Demitri Gardner’s 22 points and John St. Germain III’s 10 points.
The Jaguars were not intimidated at the start and led Clemson 10-9 five minutes in. It was 12-12 with just over 13 minutes to go in the opening half. Clemson dominated the remainder of the first half, outscoring AU 33-11. Many of the Jags first half turnovers 11 turnovers came in that stretch. Gardner and Germain carried the offensive load in the half for the Jags.
The final 20 minutes continued in the same way. Clemson’s size played a huge factor in their Elite Eight appearance last season and the trend continued as the Tigers outscored AU 46-24 in the paint. As a team, Augusta University shot 37% from the field while the Tigers shot 50% and missed just 11 shots in the first half.
Gardner had a team high 22 points for Augusta with Germain finishing with 10 points. Evan Joyner chipped in with six points. On the glass, Maximillian Amadasun led the way with nine rebounds. Luis Norfon, playing in his first game in over 600 days added five boards.
Augusta will be back in action Saturday afternoon at 5 p.m. as the Jags welcome Emory University to Christenberry Fieldhouse. The team will collect non-perishable and other sundry items during the game.
Admission is free for fans, but they are encouraged to bring something that will help others as the Augusta area continues to recover from hurricane Helene.
Fans can follow Augusta University Athletics at www.AugustaJags.com and receive updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics, on Twitter at @AugustaJags and Instagram at @augustajags
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