Phillips' career high leads the AU women to major win over Wingate

By Drew Wall | Sports writer 

The Augusta women’s basketball team secured a huge victory on the road Saturday, Nov. 18, defeating the 14th-ranked Wingate Bulldogs 75-66.

Junior guard Autumn Phillips was sensational against Wingate. Phillips exploded for 26 points, and Wingate had no real answer for her as she cashed in five 3-pointers. Phillips also had two blocks and three steals to go along with her incredible shooting night.

"Autumn made an impact on the game in many ways versus Wingate,” said AU Coach Celeste Stewart. “I believe her preparation and extra work outside of practice prepared her for this moment. I believe she accepted the challenge and approached the opportunity with confidence because of her preparation.”

Although Phillips had a tremendous game, Augusta as a team really stepped up in the second half.

AU found itself down by two points at halftime. However, adjustments were made and the Jaguars went on to outscore the Bulldogs 43-32 in the second half.

"It started with our defensive efforts,” Stewart said when talking about how the team got the upper hand in the second half. “We did a good job of playing team defense and limiting second chance opportunities. We had players step up and make big plays down the stretch offensively and defensively to help us extend the lead. I truly believe it was a team effort."

Wingate was held to just a 30 percent field goal percentage in the third quarter. The Jags caught fire in the third, hitting five of their seven 3-pointers and ended the quarter with a five-point lead.

Once the Jaguars had the lead, they did not look back. A 7-2 Augusta run to start the fourth quarter gave AU a double-digit lead, and the Jags would go on to hold the lead for the rest of the game.

Tomiyah Alford added 11 points for the Jaguars. Kennedi Manning and Mone Florence each had nine points.

Wingate, led by Hannah Clark with 22 points, dropped to 3-1, and the Bulldogs will go on the road to take on Carson-Newman on Tuesday, Nov. 21.

AU did better at the line after struggling a bit in its first two games. The Jaguars made 12 of 17 from the charity stripe.

Augusta is still undefeated at 3-0 and will travel to Franklin Springs to take on Emmanuel this Wednesday, Nov. 22.

"The emphasis will be for us to defend as a team, our defense creates our offense,” Stewart replied when asked about what she wants to see from her team against Emmanuel. “We want to limit their second chance opportunities and guard players without fouling. Offensively push the tempo and attack inside out by drive or pass."

 Contact Drew Wall at dawall@iastate.edu.