Augusta controls late to down Georgia College 62-50 in perimeter-heavy matchup

By Davis T. Harley | Sports Writer

Senior center Amari Jackson set the tone early and finished strong as Augusta University pulled away late to defeat Georgia College & State University 62-50 on Saturday in women’s basketball action.

Jackson finished with 12 points, three assists, five rebounds, three blocks and three steals, anchoring Augusta on both ends of the floor as the Jaguars improved behind balanced scoring and timely defensive stops.

Augusta opened the game with energy, winning the opening tip and striking first when junior guard Tamir Whittle knocked down a short jumper. The Jaguars quickly established control, fueled by junior guard Sierra Burns, who buried the game’s first 3-pointer and added multiple early baskets to spark a 20-11 first-quarter lead.

Augusta’s pressure defense and quick counterattacks defined the opening half. Sophomore forward Quinasia Abercrombie jumped passing lanes for a breakaway score, while freshman center Chloe Ross added points in the paint. The Jaguars’ scrappy perimeter play led to fast steals and immediate transition opportunities, limiting Georgia College’s ability to set up its press defense.

Georgia College steadied itself in the second quarter behind senior guard Deshana Gaither and junior guard Dejanae Dennis-Cassanova, trimming the deficit with steady penetration and perimeter shooting. Still, Augusta maintained control as Jackson converted inside and Burns continued to apply pressure offensively. A late 3-pointer from Georgia College narrowed the gap, but Augusta carried a 31-24 lead into halftime.

Momentum swung sharply after the break. Georgia College opened the third quarter with aggressive ball movement and crisp perimeter passing, attacking gaps in Augusta’s defense. The Bobcats surged ahead for the first time following back-to-back scores and a corner 3, eventually tying the game at 42-42 by the end of the quarter.

Augusta head coach Celeste Stewart emphasized composure during the stretch run.

“The biggest thing was to make sure to step up on defense however we could and control the controllables,” Stewart said. “That was the most important thing that we had to tackle to halt GC’s comeback in the third quarter and to come back stronger heading into the fourth quarter.”

The Jaguars responded decisively. Sophomore guard Elyse Autrey opened the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer, and freshman guard Sa’Niah Dorsey followed with a rebound and score to restore momentum. Burns added another basket, while Jackson controlled the paint defensively, blocking shots and igniting transition opportunities.

Dorsey sealed the outcome with a late 3-pointer and a steal in the final minute as Augusta stretched the lead to double digits. Free throws down the stretch pushed the final margin to 12.

Stewart said the game unfolded as expected.

“Trying to mix up our defense to the perimeter, but to also keep in mind that we have to be just as aggressive on offense to respond to the outcomes of perimeter scoring,” she said.

Augusta’s late execution proved the difference in a contest defined by perimeter battles and defensive adjustments.

Contact Davis T. Harley at dharley@augusta.edu.

Note: At the top of the page, Chloe Ross (22) attacks the paint and goes up for the finish. (photo by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)