Augusta dominates Clayton State, 65-45, behind strong start at Christenberry Fieldhouse
By Davis T. Harley | Sports writer
The Augusta University women’s basketball team set the tone early and never relinquished control, rolling past Clayton State University 65-45 on Wednesday night, Jan. 7, at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
The Jaguars (5-2, 9-4) opened the game on a 7-0 run and held the Lakers (3-4, 5-8) to just nine points in the first quarter, using defensive pressure and efficient scoring to build a comfortable lead that carried through all four quarters.
Senior center Amari Jackson led Augusta and earned player-of-the-game honors, finishing with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, six rebounds and a perfect 2-for-2 performance at the free-throw line. Jackson controlled the paint on both ends, scoring through contact and anchoring a defense that limited Clayton State’s interior opportunities.
Sophomore guard Elyse Autrey jump-started the Jaguars with a corner 3-pointer for the game’s first basket, while sophomore forward Quinasia Abercrombie followed with a pull-up jumper to extend the early lead. Clayton State got on the board midway through the opening quarter with a 3-pointer from senior guard Dazjanae Greene, but Augusta responded with steady offense and strong rebounding to take a 19-9 advantage after one.
Clayton State coach Kaleena Coleman made a full lineup change in the first quarter in an attempt to spark momentum, but Augusta continued to dictate the pace. In the second quarter, Jackson and Autrey combined for multiple baskets inside, while freshman guard Sa’Niah Dorsey knocked down a step-back jumper to push the lead past 15. Augusta closed the half on a 10-1 run and entered the locker room with a 35-15 advantage.
The Jaguars came out of halftime with the same intensity. Jackson scored the first basket of the third quarter on a contested layup and followed it with a long jumper and another finish at the rim as Augusta stretched the lead beyond 20. Sophomore guard Des’Teyn Seaton and junior guard Sierra Burns fueled the transition game, with Burns converting a breakaway layup off a steal late in the quarter. Augusta led 55-25 by the end of the third, its largest margin of the night.
Clayton State showed resilience in the fourth quarter behind junior forward Etaria Gibbons and junior guard Ameera Nayani, who combined for several baskets as the Lakers outscored Augusta 20-10 in the final period. However, the early deficit proved too much to overcome, and the Jaguars closed out the win from the free-throw line.
Augusta finished with balanced scoring and controlled the paint throughout the game, outscoring Clayton State inside while holding the Lakers to 45 points overall. The Jaguars’ fast start and defensive discipline helped secure an important conference victory as they continue Peach Belt play.
The Jags will travel to Greenwood, S.C., to face Lander in another PBC game at Horne Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.
Contact Davis T. Harley at dharley@augusta.edu.
AU’s Sa’Niah Dorsey (11) attempts to dribble away from the incoming double-team. At the top of the page, Dorsey elevates over the defense to score a deuce. (photos by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)
