AU hoops teams split in PBC action at Middle Georgia

Staff report

The Augusta University women got 17 points from Quinasia Abercrombie en route to a 53-47 win at Middle Georgia on Saturday, Jan. 3, but the Jaguar men lost 76-68 despite leading by 13 at halftime in Peach Belt Conference action.

Sierra Burns added 13 points and four assists for the AU women (4-2, 8-4). Abercrombie made two 3-pointers and added a pair of steals.

The game was a defensive struggle, as the two teams were tied at 18 at halftime. The Jaguars won the final two quarters by three points each to carve out the road victory.

Ellie Southards paced the Knights (3-3, 10-3) with 15 points.

In the nightcap, AU built a 43-30 halftime lead but got outscored 46-25 in the second half.

Two key players, Charlie McBeath and Luis Nonfon, were in foul trouble in the second half. McBeath would foul out and Nonfon finished with four fouls.

Evan Joyner returned to the lineup for the first time since breaking his wrist nearly two months ago. Joyner, a graduate student, led the way for AU with 18 points. Tobias Prall added 16 and McBeath 13.

AU (2-4, 7-9) shot 50 percent in the first half but cooled off to 32 percent in the second half.

Middle Georgia’s Joshua Robertson led all scorers with 24 points, and teammate Krishen Atwal added 17 for the Knights (2-4, 6-7).

MGSU shot 32 free throws, compared to only 17 for Augusta.

The Jaguars will host Clayton State on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Christenberry Fieldhouse. The women will tip at 5:30 p.m. and the men at 7:30.

Quinasia Abercrombie (24) had 17 points and two steals to lead the AU women to a 53-47 win at Middle Georgia. At the top of the page, Evan Joyner (0) had 18 points in his first game of the season in a 76-68 loss to the Knights. (photos by Paula Toole/AU Athletics)