AUGUSTA, Ga. — Georgia Southwestern ran into a hot-shooting Augusta squad Saturday evening, falling 84-55 at Christenberry Fieldhouse as the Jaguars continued their long-standing home dominance in the series. The Hurricanes, who had won six of their last seven entering the night, dropped to 6-2 (1-1 PBC) and remain in search of just their second-ever road win against Augusta — GSW's lone victory in the building came back in 2007.
The loss also extends a difficult trend for the Hurricanes, who have now dropped nine of the last 10 meetings with the Jaguars.
Augusta Sets the Tone Early
GSW never led as Augusta opened the game firing on all cylinders, connecting on 57.7 percent of its first-half shots and knocking down five of seven from long range to seize control. A 15-4 run midway through the opening period pushed the Jaguars ahead by double digits, and a late surge stretched the margin to 41-21 at halftime.
Despite generating good looks, the Hurricanes struggled to match the pace. They shot just 25 percent in the first half and went 2-for-15 from deep, leaving them unable to keep stride with Augusta's efficiency.
Reaves Leads the Charge, Hurricanes Battle in the Second Half
GSW showed renewed energy after the break, attacking downhill and forcing Augusta into tougher shots. The Hurricanes shot 47.6 percent in the second half and knocked down five triples as they played the Jaguars nearly even over the final 20 minutes.
Newcomer Amir Reaves paced GSW with 17 points on 4-for-9 shooting while going a near-perfect 9-for-10 at the line. Markel Freeman added 15 points, including three 3-pointers, and Keshawn Brown Jr. came off the bench to score seven points.
But every time the Hurricanes found a rhythm, Augusta had an answer. The Jaguars stacked multiple scoring bursts in transition and on the offensive glass, pushing the lead to as many as 30.
Augusta's Balance Too Much to Overcome
Four Jaguars finished in double figures, led by Luis Nonfon's 19 points and eight rebounds. Augusta shot a strong 50.8 percent for the game, hit 10 threes, and won the rebounding battle 38-30, creating 16 second-chance points that stalled every GSW push.
The Hurricanes showed fight — posting a much-improved defensive stretch late in the second half, generating fastbreak chances, and getting to the free throw line 22 times — but the first-half hole ultimately proved too much to climb out of.
Next Up
GSW travels to St. Augustine, Fla., on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. PBC contest against Flagler College before returning home to host Francis Marion University on Saturday at 3 p.m.
