Categories: College University AthleticsCollege/University News

Augusta University Jaguars Secure Victory Against USC Beaufort

Augusta University Jaguars basketball players in action during a game.

News Summary

The Augusta University Jaguars celebrated a significant victory over the USC Beaufort Sand Sharks with a score of 105-96 during Education Day. The game was played in front of a spirited crowd of fifth-graders, promoting collegiate athletics. Key players like Demetri Gardner and Max Amadasun showcased outstanding performances, contributing significantly to the team’s first Peach Belt Conference victory of the season and extending their winning streak to six games. The Jaguars demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, adapting their game strategy to maintain control and secure the win.

Augusta – On December 18, 2024, the Augusta University Jaguars triumphed over the USC Beaufort Sand Sharks with a final score of 105-96 at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The victorious match was particularly memorable as it was played in front of a lively crowd of 2,000 fifth-graders during Education Day, aimed at fostering interest in collegiate athletics among young students.

This win marks the Jaguars’ first victory in the Peach Belt Conference for the current season and has extended their impressive winning streak to six consecutive games. Demetri Gardner led the team in scoring, contributing 27 points to the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Max Amadasun delivered a stellar performance, not only scoring 19 points but also achieving a career-high 18 rebounds, marking his fourth double-double of the season.

As the game began, Augusta faced a tough challenge from the Sand Sharks, who employed an aggressive full-court zone-trap defense that created difficulties for the Jaguars. Despite these challenges, the Jaguars managed to adapt by executing high-percentage shots and frequently getting to the free-throw line. By halftime, Augusta had taken a solid lead of 54-45, thanks to contributions from Amadasun and Evan Joyner, who each added 11 points alongside Gardner’s 14.

Throughout the match, Chaeavon Torrance energized the audience with a powerful dunk early in the game, setting a positive tone for the Jaguars. Nonetheless, the Sand Sharks put up a fight, causing a number of turnovers and rushed shots from the Jaguars, resulting in five steals, primarily gained through intercepted passes. Augusta shot an impressive 54.3 percent from the field and made 16 of 18 free throws in the first half.

As the second half unfolded, Augusta adapted by focusing on their 3-point shooting, enabling them to extend their lead to as much as 16 points. Even as USC Beaufort attempted to mount a late comeback, narrowing the deficit to five points with just over three minutes left to play, the Jaguars demonstrated resilience and maintained control of the game to secure the victory.

Overall, Augusta finished the game with a shooting percentage of 56.5 percent from the field, while also holding a 50 percent success rate from 3-point attempts and shooting 82 percent from the free-throw line. In contrast, USC Beaufort struggled with their long-range shooting, only converting 31 percent of their 3-point attempts, and were led by Nolan Paladugu, who recorded 18 points.

Looking ahead, the Jaguars are set to face Converse University on December 21, 2024, at 4 p.m. The team’s recent success has been attributed to various factors, including improved health among players, a reduction in turnovers, and enhanced free-throw shooting. The nine-point victory against USC Beaufort not only showcased Augusta’s offensive firepower but also their ability to overcome adversity and maintain composure under pressure.