By Leeroy Francis Jr. |Sports editorAugusta University routed Benedict College 104-75 on Wednesday, Nov. 21, at Christenberry Fieldhouse behind seniors Tyvez Monroe and Deane Williams, who each scored 17 points.It was the Jaguars' largest victory since Dec. 9, 2017, when AU won over Paine College 85-56.Against Benedict, the defense clicked on all facets and the offense was not far behind as the Jaguars were better at rebounds, blocks and assists in the contest and played a complete team game for their first home win of the season.In the first half of the contest, the Jaguars (3-1) started off hot racing to an early first-half lead on a 14-6 run to start the game. Leading by as much as 14 in the first half the Jaguars played tight defense only allowing the visiting Tigers to 41 first-half points. Leading the entire first-half the Jaguars played good team defense beating the Tigers in rebounding 20-11 and assists 10-5 giving the Jaguars the 50-41 at halftime.The Jaguars dominated the defensive rebounds early not allowing the Tigers to second-chance opportunities and the Jaguars shot well from the three-point line going 5-15 (33 percent) with senior Aaron Byrd going 2 of 4 from the three-point line to lead the Jaguars.Leading the Jaguars were junior Rafael Monteiro with 10 points going 5-6 from the field and a trio of players each adding seven points in the Jaguars 50 point first-half. Seniors Monroe and Aaron Byrd. Also adding seven points freshman guard Darren Lucas-White.In the second half, it was all Jaguars. They scored the first five points of the second half In fact, the Jags went on a 21-9 run in the first five minutes of the second half and led by as much as 37 in the contest."At halftime we told them that when you have a team down, don't give them hope," AU Coach Dip Metress said. "We had them down 12 in the first half and gave them a little hope at the end of the half, but in the second half we kept the pedal to the metal. We got it up to 30 pretty quick, and that was a good sign. It started with our defense. And everybody got to play about double digit minutes. I like that. It makes for a nice Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow."All 12 players who played for the Jaguars scored against Benedict. Williams added 10 rebounds to his 17 points for another double-double on the season, and Monroe had eight boards. Monteiro scored 16 points, junior Troy Cracknell had 14 points, and freshman Tyree Myers added 11 points and six assists for the Jags. One of Myers' assists was a beautiful pass in transition that led to a Williams dunk.Cracknell was perfect from the floor and from the charity stripe.Augusta dominated the glass and outrebounded the Tigers 47-25.Up next for AU is a road game on Sunday, Nov. 25, at Bowie State. The tipoff will be at 2 p.m.Peach Belt Conference play begins for the Jaguars on Saturday, Dec. 1 when the Georgia College Bobcats come to Christenberry for a double feature. The women's game tips off at 1:30 p.m. and the men follow at 3:30 p.m.In the women’s game against Benedict, the Jaguars just couldn’t quite hold on to their early lead in the first during the course of the contest and ultimately fell to Benedict College 69-57. Senior forward Brianna Middleton led the way with 11 points in the first half. Senior Mallory Myers added six points and two rebounds in the first half to keep the score close with the Tigers leading 34-24 at halftime.Benedict led by 10 at halftime, but the Jaguars (1-3) climbed back within striking distance in the second half. Trailing by as much as 15 in the third quarter the Jaguars roared back in the fourth quarter to cut the Tigers lead to as little as eight with two minutes to go in the game.The Tigers (3-1) pulled away late with key offensive plays and clutch free throws late to seal the game for the Lions.The Jags’ leading scorers for the game were Jaelyn Autman with 16 points, and Middleton followed with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
Contact Leeroy Francis at lfrancis @augusta.edu