Jags handle business at Flagler, improve to 9-3 in conference play

Justin Gray | Sports Editor

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The Augusta University men’s basketball team (9-3 PBC, 15-7) used a late run to pull away from the Flagler College Saints (6-7 PBC, 12-10)in midweek action, securing an 81-65 victory and completing the season sweep over the Saints.

The final score doesn’t reflect how close the game was throughout. In fact, the Jaguars never led by more than 11 points through the first 36 minutes.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle until Augusta reeled off a 15-5 run, creating some separation. From that point on, the Jaguars never relinquished the lead.

Chaos unfolded as the first half came to a close. Flagler was hosting its own version of “Stuff the Stadium,” where fans throw stuffed animals onto the court at the halftime buzzer. However, with 1.2 seconds left, officials called a foul, forcing staff to clear the court before reviewing the call and shooting free throws, as the foul put Flagler in the bonus.

Jaylen Jordon made the first free throw and missed the second. Maximillian Amadasun’s last-second heave fell short, sending the game into halftime with Augusta leading 39-33.

The second half followed a similar script until the Saints made a push with around six minutes remaining, cutting Augusta’s lead to 64-59. Flagler head coach Blake Selland called a timeout, but Augusta responded immediately with a 7-0 run, sparked by four points from Amadasun and a 3-pointer from Demitri Gardner.

The Jaguars outscored Flagler 17-6 in the final five minutes.

This matchup has historically been a tough one for the Saints, as their lack of size plays into Augusta’s biggest strength. The Jaguars dominated the boards, out-rebounding Flagler 37-25. Another key stat was points off turnovers—Augusta capitalized for 19, while Flagler managed just two.

Amadasun recorded another double-double, finishing with 16 points and 14 rebounds. He leads all Division II centers with 14 double-doubles, ranking third overall regardless of position.

Gardner led Augusta with 24 points and set a season high with five assists.

“It’s big to go on the road and get a win, always,” said Gardner, a Winchester, Va., native. “The team chemistry is really good right now, and we have to continue sticking together.”

Evan Joyner was Augusta’s X-factor. While he doesn’t always light up the box score, he plays his role effectively. Wednesday night was one of his stronger offensive performances, as he finished with 15 points and seven rebounds, including a dagger 3-pointer. Augusta is 6-1 this season when Joyner scores in double figures.

Head coach Dip Metress was pleased with how his team executed the game plan.

“We wanted to establish our physicality early, and the rebound difference got us extra possessions,” Metress said. “We had great efforts from Elias Palsson, Luis Nonfon and Evan Joyner.”

Palsson contributed nine points and a steal in 20 minutes of action, while Nonfon added eight rebounds and four points in 30 minutes. Nonfon’s rebounding skills have improved significantly since his debut with Augusta.

The Jaguars improved to 9-3 in Peach Belt Conference play and 15-7 overall.

There were no changes at the top of the conference standings following Wednesday’s results.

Augusta now shifts its focus to a potential trap game at Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 7:30 p.m., where a raucous crowd is expected.

The Lady Jags, however were unable to mount a comeback, and complete the sweep over the Saints. Despite missing key players Yamani Paul and Autumn Phillips for much of the game, Augusta fell 76-68 to Flagler on Wednesday night. The loss drops Augusta to 15-7 overall and 7-5 in Peach Belt Conference play, while Flagler improves to 9-13 and 5-8.

The Jaguars started strong with a 19-14 lead but struggled in the second quarter as Flagler surged ahead with a 27-point frame, taking a 48-33 halftime advantage. The Jaguars fought back in the second half, cutting the deficit to single digits, but Flagler's three-point shooting (43.8%) and free-throw efficiency (75.8%) secured the win.

Quinasia Abercrombie led Augusta with a double-double (10 points, 12 rebounds), while Phillips contributed 12 points before exiting. Elyse Autrey and Amari Jackson added 10 and 11 points off the bench. Flagler’s Sharale McCormick led all scorers with 27 points.

Despite outscoring Flagler 32-28 in the second half and winning the rebounding battle (35-34), Augusta couldn’t overcome the second-quarter deficit as Flagler’s seven three-pointers proved decisive.

The Lady Jags will join the men on a trip to Americus to face Georgia Southwestern, which is currently tied with the Jaguars at third in the conference standings.

Contact Justin Gray at jusgray@augusta.edu.