Pálsson’s career-high 15 points not enough to lead the Jaguars over USC Beaufort

Justin Gray | Sports editor

BEAUFORT, S.C.—The AU men’s basketball travelled down to USC Beaufort for the second time in program history and lost another close one—this time by a 87-83 score on Saturday, March 1.

The Jaguars walked into a buzzsaw in this one and were behind the eight ball any way you put it. USCB was fighting for a home PBC tournament game, and their atmosphere matched the players' energy. 

The only thing on the line for AU in this one was whether or not the Jaguars would be a two-seed or three-seed in the upcoming tournament, but you couldn’t tell with the fight that these players played with. 

Augusta found itself down 22-12 by the 12 mark in the game, and Coach Dip Metress had to burn a timeout because the Sand Sharks were scorching from the field. 

The Jaguars, resilient as ever, always had an answer and cut it down to four in less than four minutes. 

These games with Beaufort are always fast paced and the definition of a game of runs and they went on another making it an 11-point game with 1:49 left in the half. 

Most teams would lay down and go into halftime and try to make adjustments, but the Jaguars had more business to tend to in the half, scoring 10 unanswered points to cut the lead to one at the break.

The second half proved to be more of the same back and forth style of play with Beaufort having the advantage until Augusta took its first lead of the game, 61-58, on a three-pointer from Elías Pálsson with 12:21 remaining in the game.

It was all knotted up and tight down to the finish, and with 1:51 on the clock both teams had 78 on the board. 

The Sand Sharks went on an 8-0 run to put Augusta away and secure their home postseason game. 

“We got down early and were unable to seize control in the second half,” said Metress. “We took 13 less shots than them and it was caused by turnovers that occurred in the second half.  It’s time to regroup and get ready for Peach Belt Conference Tournament.”

Even with the loss, the Jaguars had some really big performances. 

Demitri Gardner, once again, had 26 points and John St. Germain III followed him with 18 points. Gardner has made a very strong argument for being the league player of the year, averaging more than 23 points per game—11th best in the country in NCAA Division II.

Maximilian Amadasun continued his double-double fest of a season with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Elías Pálsson set his career-high in this one with 15 points, all coming on three-pointers.

Pálsson fouled out late, and that was key as the Sand Sharks were struggling to stop him.

If you are a Jaguar fan, there are a lot of positives from this one. 

First of all, AU battled the entire game in an environment that was hostile, when in the grand scheme of it, it didn't mean a ton to how things shook out. 

Secondly, if there’s any consolation, it’s that since the Jaguars 0-4 start, they have won multiple games after every loss. So, if the trend continues, the Jaguars would find themselves in the Peach Belt Conference Championship. 

Augusta (19-9 overall) finished the regular-season with a 13-5 mark in the PBC, tied for second with USC Aiken. The Pacers earned the No. 2 seed in the tournament based on the tiebreaker. USCA won both games against AU in the regular season.

The Jaguars’ opponent for the tournament opening game on Wednesday, March 5, will be North Georgia. The Jaguars will be the No. 3 seed in the tournament. The quarterfinal contest will start at 7:30 p.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The two teams split in the regular season.

Meanwhile, the AU women finished with 61-44 victory over the Sand Sharks to give Jaguar Coach Celeste Stewart her second straight 20-win season. Quinasia Abercrombie led the way with 15 points, and teammate Je’Bria Fullwood produced a double-double. The senior Greensboro (N.C.) Day School product had 11 points and 12 rebounds. Amari Jackson added 10 points for AU (12-6, 20-8).

The Jaguars will be the No. 3 seed in the PBC Tournament and will host Lander on March 5 at 5:30 p.m.

Contact Justin Gray at jusgray@augusta.edu.

Despite having foul trouble, AU point guard John St. Germain III (dribbling the basketball) finished with 18 points in the 87-83 loss at USC Beaufort. At the top of the page, center Max Amadasun (in the middle) had 17 points and 16 rebounds for the Jaguars, who will be the third seed in the Peach Belt Tournament after finishing in a tie for second with USC Aiken. (photos by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)