Abercrombie goes nuclear as AU edges Middle Georgia in PBC quarterfinals
By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in chief
Behind a career-high performance from Quinasia Abercrombie, the Augusta University women’s basketball team advanced in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament with a 74-70 win over Middle Georgia on Wednesday evening, March 4, at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
With the postseason intensity in the air, Augusta and Middle Georgia battled through four competitive quarters, but it was the Jaguars’ defense and late-game composure that ultimately sealed the victory.
Abercrombie led the way with a career-high 33 points on 13-of-20 shooting, including 3-of-6 from beyond the arc. The sophomore, who was named to the first team all-conference in the PBC, also added 10 rebounds to record a double-double in one of her most complete performances of the season.
“Knowing that we had to come out strong, keep our foot on their necks and don’t let up,” Abercrombie said. “That is what coach has been telling us from the start. Just not letting up and playing hard.”
The game got close in the third quarter but Augusta responded with a strong defensive stretch that carried into the fourth. The Jaguars shot 63.6 percent from the field in the final period (7-of-11) to outscore the Knights 20-30 across the second half and close out the game.
AU coach Celeste Stewart emphasized the tournament atmosphere and the importance of continued growth.
“It’s a tournament game. We are zero-zero,” Stewart said. “We have to continue to learn and grow from our late game execution. Q stepped up big, Amari as well.”
Amari Jackson (12) goes up for a layup over the defense of Middle Georgia. (photo by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)
Amari Jackson added 16 points, providing key buckets throughout the night, while Augusta’s defense forced timely stops in the closing minutes. Jackson also received an important mention, being named to the second team All-Conference.
“That is where it should start,” Stewart said of her team’s defensive effort. “That carried into the second half. You gotta hang our hat on our defense and valuing the ball.”
The Jaguars also dominated the paint, outscoring Middle Georgia 30-18 inside, and capitalized on fast-break opportunities to maintain momentum.
For Abercrombie, the mindset was simple.
“Just keep scoring,” she said. “Keep scoring, getting my teammates involved. Being able to play with what they gave me.”
Despite the win, Stewart knows the job is far from finished.
“The composure was better. We gotta continue to work on it,” she said. “It’s going to be important going up against Columbus State.”
With the victory, Augusta (19-9) advances to face eighth-ranked Columbus State (25-3) in the next round of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament, carrying momentum and confidence into the semifinals. The semifinal is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, at Columbus State’s Lumpkin Center at 1 p.m. North Georgia (19-12) will play Georgia College and State University (13-16) in the other semifinal at 3:30 p.m.
Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.
At the top of the page, Quinasia Abercrombie (24) prepares to boxout before a free throw. (photo by Lydia Williams) Below, the team celebrates after the win against the Knights. (photo by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)
