Abercrombie's double-double lifts Augusta over Flagler in PBC opener, 63-56
By Davis T. Harley | Sports writer
Sophomore guard-forward Quinasia Abercrombie powered Augusta University to a gritty 63–56 win over Flagler in the Jaguars’ Peach Belt Conference opener Wednesday night, Dec. 3, at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
Abercrombie finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds, delivering one of the strongest performances of her career.
AU coach Celeste Stewart said Abercrombie’s impact on both ends set the tone.
“She’s had a knack for the ball while rebounding, and coming back has meant a whole lot to us,” Stewart said. “Her defensive side, which can lead to her scores, showed out well for her tonight and helped us a lot in transition.”
Before tipoff, Stewart emphasized the importance of opening conference play strongly.
“Flagler is an excellent team and very competitive,” she said. “They are great preparation for what’s to come as we move forward in conference play.”
In the first half, reshman center Chloe Ross won the opening tip as Augusta settled into a steady first-quarter rhythm. Despite missing their first two shots, the Jaguars answered an early Flagler 3-pointer with baskets from Ross and Sierra Burns to tie the game.
Flagler led 11–7 at the media timeout, but Augusta surged back behind Sa’Niah Dorsey and a 3-pointer from Cierra McGinlay. Senior forward Nadiyah Byard added a bucket before Dorsey’s free throw closed the quarter with Augusta up 19–13.
The Jaguars extended the margin early in the second behind a layup from Olivia Martin, but the quarter was dominated by physical play and frequent fouls. Flagler chipped away through free throws and a timely 3-pointer from Natalie Herrin, but Abercrombie answered with a deep shot of her own to rebuild the lead.
Ross and Abercrombie continued to score, while Martin sank two free throws to maintain control. Late baskets by Flagler’s Jessica Dowdy and Marley Smith trimmed the gap, but Augusta held on to a 38–34 halftime advantage.
Stewart credited defensive adjustments for limiting Flagler’s runs.
“We’ve been mixing up our defenses over the last couple of games,” she said. “As we improve our defense, hopefully we’ll see fewer turnovers that lead to potential scores.”
In the third quarter, Flagler opened the third quarter with free throws to make it a one-possession game, but Augusta responded immediately. Abercrombie, Elyse Autrey, and Ross combined for a series of baskets that pushed the Jaguars’ lead to 50–40, their largest of the night.
McGinlay and Tamir White added points at the line, and Dorsey knocked down two free throws after being fouled hard in the paint. Augusta entered the fourth quarter ahead 53–43.
In the fourth quarter, both teams opened the fourth quarter cold, missing several shots before Byard scored the first points of the period. The intensity spiked as multiple hard fouls from Flagler led to scrappy possessions and stoppages.
Flagler’s Abby Smith hit a 3-pointer to pull the Saints within nine, and Grimm added a jumper as Flagler began to gain momentum. Dorsey responded with a layup, but Flagler continued to attack the basket, trimming the lead to 59–54.
Abercrombie delivered again with a key layup, and Augusta slowed the pace in the final two minutes. Autrey sank two crucial free throws to extend the lead to seven, and the Jaguars secured the win after draining the clock on their final possession.
With the 63–56 victory, Augusta improved to 4–1 overall and 1–0 in Peach Belt Conference play.
The Jaguars will host Georgia Southwestern on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 3 p.m.
Contact Davis T. Harley at dharley@augusta.edu.
AU’s Elyse Autrey (middle) fights for a lose ball among three Flagler defenders to keep the play alive. At the top of the page, Quinasia Abercrombie (24) surveys the floor, setting up AU’s half-court offense.(photos by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)
