Jaguars prepare to play at Flagler in PBC hoops action

By Caleb Miller |ContributorThe Augusta Jags will play Flagler in St. Augustine, Fla., at 7:30 tonight (Feb. 6), hoping to pass Francis Marion for sole possession of third place in the Peach Belt Conference (PBC).Despite its home win over Lander on Saturday, Feb. 2, Augusta is currently tied with Francis Marion (who play at USC Aiken tonight) for third in the PBC standings. They are both one game behind second-place UNC Pembroke, which plays at Lander this evening.Augusta (10-3 in the PBC, 14-5 overall) is “playing from behind,” as Augusta Coach Dip Metress said after its 79-76 loss to USC Aiken on Jan. 30, but that setback hasn’t kept them down for long.Augusta bounced back quick with a 95-66 win against Lander. Miguel Arnold led the way with 22 points, followed by Deane Williams with 20, Troy Cracknell with 19 and Rafael Monteiro with 16. Williams added eight rebounds and four blocked shots.The team’s spirits are high as the Jags prepare to face Flagler (4-9, 7-12) tonight. While Augusta is tied with Francis Marion for third place, Flagler is ninth in the PBC.Tonight’s game will be held on Flagler’s home court. Heading into the matchup, Flagler is 5-5 in home games, while Augusta is 5-3 in away games.Augusta has been a fairly efficient offense this season and is shooting at a 48.5 percent from the field this season. Flagler shoots 45.8 percent.Augusta plays two games this week, with its home game against Columbus State on Saturday, Feb. 9, following the game at Flagler tonight.On the women's side, AU is coming off a 93-76 home loss to Lander. Asia Harrison led the Lady Jaguars (3-10, 4-15) with 16 points and six assists. AU play Flagler at 5:30 p.m. today.In the PBC, the top eight teams advance to the conference tournament. First-round games are hosted by the top four seeds. The semifinals and final will be played at the home court of the highest seeded remaining team after the quarterfinals. For more information, contact calmiller@augusta.edu.

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