Jaguars show spark in exhibition loss to Georgia Southern; Palsson gets career-high
Justin Gray | Sports editor
STATESBORO—Augusta University wasn’t able to make lightning strike twice as the Jaguars lost to Georgia Southern, 79-69, on Monday, Nov. 11.
This was a weird situation as Augusta is allowed to play three out-of-division exhibitions, so this was technically the final exhibition for the Jaguars and a regular-season game for Georgia Southern. AU had upset the Eagles last season in an exhibition here.
All in all, this was the best outing AU’s had in this early season.
The Jaguars fell behind early, going down 7-3, but stormed back with a 7-0 run to take the lead.
Most basketball games are games of runs and this was no different, as Georgia Southern took its biggest lead of the night with a 15-4 run to make it 30-21.
But the Jaguars weathered the storm and fought back to tie things up at 30 on a Maximillian Amadasun 3-pointer. Yes, the Jaguar big man drilled one from the top of the key.
Wildly enough, in AU’s win in this game last seasib, he nailed the same exact shot and left the GSU bench in shock.
Despite roaring back, it was all the Jaguars could do to go into halftime down seven.
Augusta made its halftime adjustments and returned to the court determined as the Jaguars cut the lead to four, 49-45, less than five minutes into the half.
It wouldn’t ever get closer than that as it was mostly even for the rest of the half with both teams matching the other and no big leads.
The final punch that put the Jaguars out came from GSU’s Bradley Douglas, who had 22 off the bench, hit a 3-pointer to extend the lead to 12.
The Jaguars just had a few too many minor mistakes that led to them not being able to make a comeback, but it was a much needed performance after the past weekend.
Augusta was without two of its starters, Luis Nonfon and Evan Joyner, who are both expected to be back for the next game.
Elias Palsson stepped up big and led the team in scoring with 18 points. He also tallied three rebounds and three assists. He is a pivotal part of this team moving forward, especially his 3-point shooting.
Amadasun had his best all-around night in his AU career, as he put together a 15-point, nine-rebound, three-block and one-steal performance.
It seems like every time he’s in these kinds of environments he plays well.
“I’d say it makes me play better, because I’m used to big environments from the division one level and was in them every night,” said the senior center, who transferred in from Pittsburgh and St. Bonaventure.
Demitri Gardner added 15 points in a night he struggled, shooting 7 of 20 from the field, but that's the kind of dynamic player he is, still finding ways to get points even on off nights. Dem
If the Jaguars can replicate this performance against their Division II opponents, they’ll be very successful.
“We showed some grit and toughness tonight,” said Jaguar coach Dip Metress. “We could have folded when we got down nine. Really proud of our guys, if we play like that we’ll be fine.”
They’ll have a chance to prove they can hang with division two’s best as they host Florida Southern College for the home opener next Sunday, November 17, at 2 p.m.
Florida Southern is 3-1 with a win over Minnesota State Mankato, which was the preseason No. 1 in D2. Florida Southern also defeated Division I Savannah State.
Contact Justin Gray at jusgray@augusta.edu.
Au guard John St. Germain III (4) drives on the Eagles’ Brafford in AU’s 79-69 loss to Georgia Southern. St. Germain finished with 11 points and four assists. At the top of the page, Max Amadasun (13) posts up GSU’s Tyson Brown (21). Amadasun had a big night for the Jaguars with 15 points and nine rebounds. (photos by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)
