By Carlos Rodriguez |
Special to the Bell Ringer
The top-seeded Augusta University men's basketball team defeated UNC Pembroke 77-70 in the semifinals of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Saturday, March 9, in front of 1,311.
The Jags extended their win streak to 12 as they advanced to the PBC Tournament championship to be played Sunday, March 10, at 4 p.m. against second-seeded USC Aiken.
The Jags were looking to get back at the Braves for defeating them at Christenberry 93-88 on Jan. 16. The Braves led for most of the first half Saturday, but that didn't stop the Jags from fighting back.
The Braves' biggest lead was eight leading 37-29 with 3:26 remaining. The Jags had cut the lead to 37-32 off a three-pointer from sophomore Troy Cracknell. Following that Freshman Tyree Myers knocked down two three pointers and got a fast-break layup on three straight possessions to complete an 8-0 run giving AU the lead 40-37 with 1:52 remaining in the half. Myers led with 15 points in the half as the Jags were up 42-39.
AU Coach Dip Metress believes rebounding and not turning over the ball is the key against the Braves.
"Early in the first half when we made mistakes, they made their run," Metress said. "When we cut down our mistakes, it enabled us to play more at half court defensively."
AU finished with 14 turnovers, compared to 12 for UNC Pembroke (21-9).
The Jags maintained the lead the rest of the game, but the Braves still battled as AU only led by two, 56-54 with 9:55 remaining. AU managed to increase their lead to 67-54 with 6:37 remaining after Junior Rafael Monteiro converted a layup.
Monteiro also gave the Jags their biggest lead of the game 73-59 after two free throw makes with 3:12 remaining in the half. Monteiro had fifteen second half points. The Braves cut the deficit to 77-70 with 33 seconds remaining. Freshman Darren Lucas-White recorded a big block in the paint as the Braves were unsuccessful to score in the final seconds.
The Jags were led by Montiero, who had 20 points and six rebounds, while Tyree Myers who recorded 20 points, five assists, and two steals. Senior Deane Williams finished with 16 points and eight rebounds.
Metress said the teammate chemistry has been excellent.
"They like each other," Metress said of his players. "It's huge. The unselfishness, the extra passes. It's really really big no question."
Metress highlighted a play that was designed for Monteiro that Williams ended up taking charge of.
"We still made the bucket. There was no pointing fingers. That's a good thing to happen," said Metress.
AU continued its sharp-eye shooting, making 53.3 percent of its three-pointers and 52.4 percent overall. The only concern might be three free throw shooting, as the Jaguars missed eight in 33 attempts. The Braves made only 42.4 percent overall and only hit 4-of-20 treys.
Akia Pruitt led Pembroke with 16 points. Both David Strother and James Murray-Boyles fouled out for the Braves. Murray Boyles had 14 points and Tyrell Kirk 13 for UNC Pembroke.
With the win, AU improves to 25-5. The Jags look to secure their fifth PBC Tournament championship in school history as their host arch-rival Aiken Sunday at 4 p.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The Paces (26-4) beat Francis Marion 98-83 in the other semifinal Saturday.
Tickets are $10, but discounted to $5 for seniors, military personnel (with an ID) and children under 12 (children 5 and under are free).
At 10:30 p.m. Sunday night, the NCAA Divison II tournament selections will be announced. Both AU and USC Aiken will likely be playing for the No. 2 seed in their region in Sunday's PBC final.
Friday night the Peach Belt Conference named Metress coach of the year. Williams was named defensive and co-player of the year while being selected to the all-conference first team. Monteiro was selected to the all-conference second team, and long-range bomber Miguel Arnold was named co-freshman of the year.
In the women's final on Sunday at 1 p.m., defending champion North Georgia will play Columbus State.
