By Cameron Windley |Sports writerThe Augusta University women’s basketball team defeated Clark Atlanta University 68-61 on Saturday, Nov. 23 at Christenberry Fieldhouse to improve to a 2-2 start for the 2019-20 season.AU came into the game after losing its first home game to Queens University the previous Saturday. The Jags wanted to come back and protect their homecourt against Clark Atlanta.The first quarter was tight and ended in a 9-9 tie. Then, in the second quarter, the Jaguars pulled ahead with their suffocating defense and rebounding. By halftime, AU led Clark Atlanta 24-18. That quarter proved to be decisive as a competitive second half followed.Clark came out of the locker room with renewed energy, and both teams were scoring back and forth. It was a very high-paced third period that saw both teams score 20 points.Clark Atlanta had gained some momentum going into the final quarter. However, the Jaguars kept the Panthers at bay in the final minutes. The Jaguars outscored their opponents 24-23 in the final period for a seven-point victory.The Jaguars sparkled at the foul line, making 20 of 22 for the game (91 percent).Kiera Howard was the scoring leader for the Jags with 19 points and three assists. Crystal Corley and Jaelyn Autman also scored in double figures for the Jags. Corley had 13 points and five boards, and Autman had 12 points and four rebounds. Zairya West had nine points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal.AU shot 45 percent, compared to 43 percent for the Panthers.Clark Atlanta's record dropped to 1-4 on the season.The Jaguars' next game is Tuesday at Benedict in Columbia, S.C., at 5:30 p.m. The men's game will follow at 7:30.
Contact Cameron Windley at CWINDLEY@augusta.edu.