AU women's basketball team romps past Benedict to improve to 4-1

By Shelbie Summerlin | Sports writer

The Jaguar women’s basketball team trounced the Benedict College Tigers 80-41 in a non-conference contest on Tuesday, Nov. 23, at Christenberry Fieldhouse. 

Augusta came out strong in the first period by building a 21-13 lead and never stepped off the gas. The Jaguars came out on top each period after outscoring the Tigers 18-9 in the second, 22-8 in the third and 19-11 in the fourth.

“I am proud of the way we executed the game plan,” said AU Coach Millette Green. “This was the first time all season we achieved all of our offensive and defensive goals for the game. It happened to be our best performance all season against a good team who is predicted to win their conference.”

November Morton led the Jaguars with 19 points, shooting 7-15 total and 4-10 from three. Zairya West finished with 14 points, shooting 6-12. Keira Howard led AU with 8 assists and added 9 points and 4 steals.

 Tomiyah Alford led AU with 6 rebounds. Je’Bria Fullwood, Kennedi Manning and Mechella Davis had 5 rebounds each. Manning also finished in double digits with 10 points. 

“Offensively, I was pleased with our ball and player movement, how we shared the basketball, and 27 free throw attempts,” Green said. “Our offensive flow is getting better each game.”

The Jaguar defense was strong in this game as well, forcing a total of 30 turnovers and scoring 37 points from the Tigers mistakes. AU’s defense also forced Benedict to shoot 34-percent on the night and held the Tigers to just 4 of 17 from behind the arc.

“Our defense is our juice,” Green said. “We cannot control the ball going in the basket every time, but we can control our energy, effort and toughness on defense. We wanted to disrupt their half court offense by pressuring them full court. Our ability to make shots allowed us to set up our press and force 30 turnovers, which created 37 points for our offense.”

This victory moves AU ‘s record to 4-1 on the season after their only loss has came to Barton College on Nov. 15. Except for in the loss to Barton, AU is dominating their opponents, outscoring teams by a margin of 27.5 points per game. 

Green’s team will play at Livingstone College in Salisbury, N.C., on Dec. 1. Tipoff against the Bears is set for 5:30 p.m.  

Note: At the top of the page, Tomiyah Alford (12) drives for two points for AU. (photo by Shelbie Summerlin)

Contact Shelbie Summerlin at ssummerlin@augusta.edu.