Jaguar women lose to Belmont Abbey in heartbreaking fashion
By Nyla Robinson | Sports Writer
The Augusta University women’s basketball team lost a close one to Belmont Abbey 54-52 in overtime on Saturday, Nov. 23, in a non-conference game at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
The Crusaders (4-2) were led by Cate Schieber, who buried six 3-pointers for a team-high 18 points. Schieber added three crucial free throws in the waning minutes of the game.
The Jaguars (4-2) tried zone defenses, as well as man-to-man, and nothing could slow her down. Abigail Crain chipped in 12 points in her own right.
“Anytime someone presses us, we are looking to give her (Schieber) the ball and get her some early shots,” said Belmont Abbey Coach Kim Lusk
With the first quarter being a back and forth game, ending 16-15 in favor of the Jaguars, Belmont came out with a mission in the second quarter, scoring 16 points while holding AU to only eight points. The Jaguars’ turnovers hurt them again, allowing Belmont to capitalize on 12 points off of them in the first half alone.
AU outscored Belmont Abbey 9-8 in the third, and so heading into the fourth quarter, Belmont led 39-33. That lead was short-lived as AU went on an 8-0 run thanks to senior guard Autumn Phillips, who scored six of those eight points and got AU its first lead in the second half.
With one minute left in the game and the score 46-43 in favor of the Jags, Schieber hit yet another 3-pointer that would tie the game and eventually send it to overtime.
Crusaders’ freshman guard Janiah Shular stepped to the line with five seconds left in OT and drilled two free throws to ensure the win for Belmont Abbey.
Although a tough loss for Augusta, Phillips had her breakout game, scoring 26 points in 43 minutes of actions. That was Phillips’ season high.
“She got comfortable and was able to get to her spots tonight,” said AU Coach Stewart about her guard’s performance.
The Jaguars have Thanksgiving week off from live action and will play at Converse University on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m.
The next home game will be a Peach Belt Conference game against USC Beaufort on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1:30 p.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
AU had started the week ranked 25th in the country in NCAA Division II, but that ranking will likely go away with this week’s poll.
Contact Nyla Robinson at nyrobinson@augusta.edu.
AU guard Autumn Phillips () broke out of her shooting slump and led the Jaguars with 26 points in a 54-52 overtime loss to Belmont Abbey in Christenberry Fieldhouse on Saturday, Nov. 23. At the top of the page, Phillips looks for an opening. (photos by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)
