News Summary
In an exhilarating game at Christenberry Fieldhouse, the Augusta men’s basketball team edged out Lander University with a close score of 76-73. The contest, filled with lead changes and exciting plays, saw Demitri Gardner leading the Jaguars with 23 points. The team’s strong defense and stellar free-throw performance were crucial in clinching the victory. With this win, Augusta improves to 17-7 overall and 11-3 in the Peach Belt Conference. A rematch is scheduled for February 19, 2025, promising more action for basketball fans.
Augusta Jaguars Edge Out Lander in Nail-Biter, 76-73
Augusta, GA – Basketball fans were treated to a thrilling spectacle at the Christenberry Fieldhouse on February 17, 2025, as the Augusta men’s basketball team pulled off a narrow but exhilarating victory over Lander University, with a final score of 76-73. This victory not only delighted the home crowd but also bolstered Augusta’s impressive record, bringing them to 17 wins and just 7 losses overall, while the team now stands at 11-3 in the Peach Belt Conference.
The Matchup
The game was an edge-of-your-seat contest, featuring a back-and-forth battle that showcased the skills of both teams. From the get-go, it was clear that neither side was willing to back down. The teams exchanged leads a total of six times throughout the match and even found themselves tied on six occasions.
At halftime, the Jaguars were clinging to a slim lead, edging Lander with a score of 34-31. As fans cheered and tension built in the arena, the players returned to the court for an unforgettable second half.
Star Performers Shine
Demitri Gardner emerged as a standout for Augusta, impressively scoring 23 points on the night. Demonstrating remarkable composure, he went a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line, adding two rebounds and two assists to his stat line. His performance proved vital in crunch time, keeping the scoreboard ticking in Augusta’s favor.
Max Amadasun also made a significant contribution, with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, showcasing his versatility. Meanwhile, John St. Germain III provided solid support with 13 points and six assists, while Elias Palsson wowed the crowd with a robust showing off the bench, scoring 15 points on an efficient 6-of-11 shooting, including three treys from beyond the arc.
Crucial Defense and Free Throws
Defensively, the Jaguars were tenacious, exploiting Lander’s weaknesses by forcing a total of 14 turnovers and converting these mistakes into 12 points. The team’s physical presence resulted in a significant advantage in the paint, where they outscored Lander with a dominant 28-16 margin.
Free throws played a critical role in sealing the victory, as Augusta finished with an impressive 90.0% success rate, going 18-of-20 from the foul line. Lander, on the other hand, maintained an admirable 82.4% free throw percentage, sinking 14-of-17.
Game Stats Breakdown
When looking at the shooting percentages, Augusta gained an edge with a field goal percentage of 45.6%, compared to Lander’s 43.4%. However, Lander proved their prowess from long-range, achieving a stellar 50.0% from three-point territory, while Augusta settled at 40.0%.
Looking Ahead
The excitement doesn’t stop here for Augusta. The Jaguars are set to face Lander once again in a rematch on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, in Greenwood, SC. Basketball fans in the area can look forward to another exhilarating showdown as the teams tip-off at 7:30 PM. Will Augusta maintain their winning momentum or will Lander bounce back? Only time will tell!
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Jaguars Secure Hard-Fought Win Over Lander
- Demitri Gardner Named PBC Player of the Week
- Augusta Women Hold Off Lander for Home Victory
- Wikipedia: General Information
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Information
