Cougars end AU women's PBC Tournament run in two overtimes

Justin Gray | Sports editor 

AMERICUS—The Augusta University women fell in their semifinal matchup against third-seeded Columbus State, 70-65, in double overtime on Friday, March 9, in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament.

After a long, hard fought battle with Georgia College the day before, the second-seeded Jaguars had to get ready to play a scorching hot Columbus State team. 

The two teams were both ready to go from the start as only two points separated them after the first quarter of play.  

CSU’s Olanna Rawls and Bre’Lyn Snipes took over in the second, jumping out to a 28-15 lead. The Jaguars closed out the half on a 9-1 run to cut the deficit to five. 

Augusta turned the tables in the third quarter, behind first-team all-conference selection Autumn Phillips. The Jags finished the third with a 46-43 lead.  

For both teams, it felt like there was a lid on both rims as CSU outsourced AU just 7-4 in the fourth quarter to send the game to overtime tied at 50.  

Kennedi Manning got the scoring going in overtime, with a three-point play. CSU responded with a three-pointer and the two teams continued to stay tight and we remained tied at 60, going into another overtime.  

In the final overtime, the Jaguars and Cougars sat tied at 65. CSU made a layup and AU couldn’t respond as the Jaguars lost their first game in March.  

Augusta was led by Manning with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Tomiyah Alford also picked up a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Phillips had 12 in the losing affair.  

CSU was led by Rawls, who had 24 points and 18 rebounds. Letiya Reeves added 18 points and 11 rebounds.  

This loss will hurt the Jaguars’ seeding in the NCAA tournament as they sat at No. 7 in the last Southeast Regional rankings and CSU sat at No. 8. The Cougars will more than likely jump AU now.  

Augusta will have to wait for Selection Sunday, March 10, to see where the Jaguars are seeded and who they will play in the quarterfinals.  

Contact Justin Gray at jusgray@augusta.edu.

Graduate student Kennedi Manning (24) led the way with 18 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t quite enough as the Jaguars lost to Columbus State in the PBC semifinals in double overtime. At the top of the page, Tomiyah Alford also produced a double-double for Augusta. (photos by Paula Toole, AU Athletics)