Augusta men pick up 1,000th win in program history
Justin Gray | Sports Writer
The Jaguars men’s basketball team defeated Claflin 76-65 on Tuesday night, Nov. 28, to win its 1,000th game in the history of the program.
“I want to give a shoutout to all the guys I have coached here and all my assistants,” said AU Coach Dip Metress, referring to the history made on Tuesday night.
After losing their last two games, it was time for the Jaguars to get back to the winning side of things, and they were able to do so in this one.
It was a slow start for the Jaguars, who trailed, 9-3, four minutes in, but they went on a 35-18 run to lead 38-27 at half.
The second half was a little more back and forth than the first, but after freshman John St. Germain III knocked down a big layup, to make the score 60-49, the Jaguars rolled to the 11-point victory.
This was a very evenly matched game as far as team stats goes, but the Jaguars had an X-factor in center Max Amadasun. Saying this after every game sounds like a broken record, but that is just how good he has been so far. In this one, the AU center put on a show for the home fans with 17 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks.
“It was a much needed win, we wanted to come out and give the fans what they deserved,” the Dublin, Ireland, native said. “My success has come from playing hard and being physical.”
Senior David Viti was the second highest scorer and rebounder on the team tonight with 15 points and seven rebounds. Viti has played a pivotal part as a leader on this young team so far.
“We have to be better in late-game situations,” Viti said. “That starts with me as a leader on the court and as a whole just taking care of the ball and understanding time and score. We have a lot of young guys handling the ball in crunch time, so they’ll learn as they get more experience.”
Metress knows the Jaguars need to improve but he was still satisfied with the victory.
“We are happy to get the win,” he said. “It was sloppy, but we still did a lot of things well to get us the win.”
AU’s Zyere Edwards knocked down 14 points, including four 3-pointers. He also had three steals for the Jaguars. Demitri Gardner finished with 12 points and St. Germain 10 for the host team.
Bryson Dennis led Claflin (2-1) with 15 points. Damerius Wash added 12.
Augusta shot 57 percent in the field half, but the Jaguars cooled in the second half to finish at 45 percent. The Panthers shot 43.5 percent. AU did force 17 turnovers and committed 13.
The Jaguars will continue their long home stretch with a matchup against always tough Virginia Union on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. Union won the game between the two schools last season.
Come out to the game for a chance to win $1,000. There will be a giveaway in honor of the 1,000th program win. To win, you must be in attendance.
Contact Justin Gray at jusgray@augusta.edu.
AU’s Max Amadasun (17) is surrounded by the Panthers’ defense. Amadasun, the transfer from St. Bonaventure, would finish with game-high 17 points and 15 rebounds. At the top of the page, David Viti brings the ball into the lane. Viti, the senior from Buford, scored 15 for Augusta. (photos by Justin Gray)
