Augusta men rout Benedict for first hoops win of season
By Jaxon Garner | Sports writer
COLUMBIA, S.C.—The Augusta University men’s basketball team earned its first win of the season with an 89-69 victory over Benedict College on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
The Jaguars entered the game on a four-game losing streak against a strong schedule, hoping to bounce back against a Benedict squad that was also winless through its first four contests. With both teams seeking their first win, one was guaranteed to break into the win column.
Turnovers were a focal point, as both teams averaged 17.8 turnovers per game over their last four matchups. Augusta capitalized on this trend, winning the turnover battle for the first time this season. The Jaguars committed 14 turnovers—still slightly above the Peach Belt Conference average of 13.2—but forced 15 from the Tigers, scoring 16 points off those takeaways.
Offensively, Augusta resolved its early-season scoring struggles, putting up a season-high 89 points. The charge was led by guard John St. Germain III and center Max Amadasun.
Amadasun delivered his first double-double of the season, contributing 22 points and 10 rebounds. The big man made a significant impact in the paint after returning from a one-game suspension for a flagrant foul against Florida Southern. The 6-foot-11 post player was 10 of 14 from the floor, a 71-percent clip.
St. Germain III had his best game of the season, finishing with 22 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the field. He also had five assists from the point guard position.
The Jaguars also solved their 3-point shooting woes with a 9-for-19 night. Entering the game, they averaged just 5.2 made treys per game. Against Benedict, TJ Baker and St. Germain III combined for seven of the team’s long-range baskets, propelling the offense.
Baker, a freshman from Tallahassee, Fla., totaled 15 points. That included a 4-of-6 night from 3-point range.
Demitri Gardner chipped in 12 points. Chaevon Torrance added nine points and made all of his floor shots.
The Jaguars shot 53 percent and held the Tigers to a 46-percent night. Coach Dip Metress’s team had a sizable advantage on the boards with 36 rebounds, compared to 24 for Benedict.
Johnny Taylor led the Tigers with 14 points.
Metress had made a point of emphasis on free-throw shooting in practice since the loss to Fayetteville State last week, and the Jaguars responded with a 16-of-20 night from the line, good for 80 percent.
With the victory, Metress can breathe a little easier as the Jaguars snapped their skid. However, the schedule doesn’t lighten up.
Augusta continues its road stretch after Thanksgiving, facing 4-3 Virginia Union on Nov. 30 and 3-3 Chowan on Dec. 1. Both teams will be looking to end three-game losing streaks.
The Jaguars’ next home game will be on Thursday, Dec. 5, when they host city rival Paine College at Christenberry Fieldhouse. That will be the Richmond County Education Day game. Tipoff will be at 11 a.m. It is Reading Day at AU.
Contact Jaxon Garner at jaxgarner@augusta.edu.
AU center Max Amadasun (17) had 22 points and 10 rebounds to help lead the Jaguars to an 89-69 win at Benedict College on Nov. 26. At the top of the page, John St. Germain III had 22 points, five assists and four rebounds for the Jags. (photos by Paula Toole/AU Athletics)
