Jags face Barton College in close game during opening weekend
By Danielle Kennedy | Sports editor
Augusta University women’s basketball team took on the Barton College Bulldogs in a close game on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Christenberry Fieldhouse during their opening weekend, winning 67-63.
The Jags led in points for most of the game, including an 18-point lead in the second quarter.
“[We’re] defending home court. We’re hosting the tournament. We want to make sure that we take pride in Augusta University,” said Sierra Burns, who scored 12 points. “Coming out here and making sure that teams don’t feel comfortable and making them uncomfortable from the beginning and throughout the game. Just sticking to our principles.”
Their second game of the season was another strong showing for sophomore Quinasia Abercrombie, who led the team in points (15), rebounds (8) and assists (4).
“She plays really hard for us,” said Head Coach Stewart. “She does little things. Rebounding, put-backs, playing in the passing lane. So, she always makes an impact on the game. And I think that just goes to show how she has a high motor and a lot of effort goes behind that. And today she had to guard one of the best players on the other team and did a good job containing her.”
When asked about her night, Abercrombie credits her success to confidence in her game.
“Just being confident, like I said last night, letting the game come to me, not forcing anything, just believing in myself,” said Abercrombie. “My defense starts my offense. So, playing defense is good.”
Cierra McGinlay was another standout in the game, scoring 14 points and 5 rebounds.
When asked about how the team will adjust going into the game on Wednesday, McGinlay said, “I think just going into practice with the mindset of wanting to get better, learning from our mistakes, and flipping that switch for when we play on Wednesday. Also, making each other better.”
Despite the win, the team struggled to hold on to the led in the fourth quarter, winning the game by only three points. Barton was able to score 21 points in the fourth quarter. Communication and settling the game are ongoing things the team is working on to make stronger as the season progresses.
“I think we took some quick shots in the fourth, where we could have built the clock a little bit more and just getting a good shot,” said Head Coach Stewart. “But it’s something we learn and grow from. Having a game like this early on is going to serve to our benefit, because now we get to learn from a win.”
You can see the Jags play again at home on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. against Catawba College.
Contact Danielle Kennedy at dakennedy@augusta.edy
Note: At the top of the page, Quinasia Abercrombie shoot a free throw during the game against North Greenville on Friday Nov. 14. (photo by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)
