Cougars pull away late to defeat Jaguars 75-65

By Jaxon Garner | Editor in Chief

Despite a strong fourth-quarter rally, the Augusta University women’s basketball (5-4 PBC, 13-6) fell to Columbus State (7-2 PBC, 13-5), 75-65 in Peach Belt Conference action on Feb. 1.

The Augusta University Jaguars took an early 5-2 lead in the first quarter, but the Columbus State Cougars responded with a 7-0 run to seize a 9-5 advantage with 3:37 remaining in the period. Although the Jaguars managed to claw back, a jumper by Yamani Paul tied the game at 11 with just over two minutes left. However, the Cougars regained control, closing the quarter on a 7-2 run to take an 18-13 lead into the second quarter.

“We didn’t start out with the intensity needed in the first half,” said AU coach Celeste Stewart.  “We allowed them to get us out of our offensive flow but we did a much better job in the second half of flowing offensively.”

The back-and-forth pace continued in the second quarter, allowing the Cougars to maintain their edge. Another bucket from Paul brought the Jaguars within three points at 24-21 with 4:12 remaining in the half. Unfazed, Columbus State closed the quarter with a 6-0 run to secure a 33-25 halftime advantage.

Both teams struggled from beyond the arc in the first half, combining for just 1-for-16 shooting. Columbus State’s Kristyn Goshay made the lone three-pointer.

“We needed to be confident in our looks but to get quality shots by moving the ball sides of the floor and play more inside out,” said Stewart.

Quinasia Abercrombie and Paul led the Jaguars in the first half, each contributing eight points. Bre’Lyn Snipes paced the Cougars with eight points, while Olonna Rawls pulled down six rebounds to anchor Columbus State’s defense.

The Cougars opened the third quarter by extending their lead to 43-31—their largest of the night. However, the Jaguars fought back, cutting the deficit to nine points at 56-47 by the end of the quarter.

Augusta opened the final period with an 8-0 run to cut the Cougars' lead to 56-55. A layup by Mone Florence tied the game at 57 with 6:49 remaining.

“We switched up our defense which really helped and setup some backdoor plays offensively to loosen up how they were guarding us on the perimeter,” said Stewart.

Snipes kept the Cougars in control, scoring all five points during a 5-2 run that put Columbus State back up 62-59. Despite the Jaguars' relentless efforts, costly turnovers and missed shots allowed the Cougars to extend their lead.

In the final minutes, the Jaguars resorted to fouling to stay in the contest. However, Abercrombie picked up her fifth foul and exited the game with just over a minute left, with Augusta trailing 70-65.

“Time and score is super important down the stretch,” said Stewart. “Being able to execute in the halfcourt, make the right play; We weren’t able to come up with the much-needed stops. We also missed some free throws that could have made a difference as well.”

In the fourth quarter, Goshay shot 11-for-12 from the free-throw line, sealing a 75-65 victory for the Cougars.

Paul led the Jaguars with 18 points, followed by Abercrombie with 15. Letiya Reeves paced the Cougars with 21 points, supported by three teammates in double figures.

The Jaguars now hold a 5-4 record in Peach Belt Conference play, placing them fourth in the standings as the season heads down the stretch. The Jaguars will look to bounce back at on Greek Night against Clayton State on Feb. 5.

 Contact Jaxon Garner at jaxgarner@augusta.edu