Augusta University starts regular season with win over Mount Olive

By Aaron Smith | Sports writer

The Augusta University men’s basketball team escaped with a narrow victory over the University of Mount Olive on Friday, Nov. 11, by a score of 81-76 to kick off the regular season at Kornegay Arena in Wilson, N.C.

The second-ranked Jaguars jumped out to a big lead in the first half, going into the locker room at halftime leading the Trojans 41-27, before Mount Olive would then make a run in the second half by outscoring the Jaguars 49-40 in the final period.

Trojans’ guard Michael Brown—who scored 26 points and dished out eight assists—successfully brought the Trojans within a single point, but they were unable to capitalize on his hot shooting.

The Trojans started off struggling to score in the first half, but they were able to find the net with Brown and forward Trayvon Ferrel, who scored 22 points and pulled in five rebounds.

For the Jaguars, Ja’Queze Kirby played a big part in giving AU the victory, scoring 12 points in the first half, and following that up with 11 in the second. Kirby also chipped in six assists, two steals, one block and three rebounds on the night.

Tyshaun Crawford finished the game with 18 points and eight rebounds, and he was the primary focus of the Trojans’ defense, as he was the victim of constant fouls and double teams that helped the Jaguars find open shots.

Tyree Myers and Miguel Arnold contributed 14 and 11 points, respectively, while also facilitating the Jaguars’ offense.

With this win, the Jaguars, who were national runners-up last season, will look ahead to their next game against Barton College on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m.

Meanwhile, the AU women opened with a 61-60 win over Barton in Milledgeville. Tomiyah Alford led the Jaguars with 22 points. Kennedi Manning added 15 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. Augusta plays Southern Wesleyan on Nov. 12 at 3 p.m.

Contact Aaron Smith at madsmith@augusta.edu.