Jaguar men win their home opener behind red-hot shooting
By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in chief
The Augusta University men’s basketball team made a strong first impression at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Tuesday, Nov. 19, earning a 110-99 victory over Emmanuel in their home opener.
The Jaguar women opened up their season at home this past weekend, while the men started their season earlier this month in Florida and played in Wilson, N.C., before playing their first game in front of their home crowd.
The Jaguars (2-3) put together their most efficient offensive performance of the year, shooting 64.3 percent from the field and 50 percent on 3-pointers, numbers that defined the rhythm and flow of the game.
Playing against a team that shoots the ball well, AU coach Dip Metress credited their zone defense as one of the keys to tonight’s matchup.
“We’ve been in so much foul trouble, so we had to switch to a zone,” Metress said.
Tobias Prall (2) celebrates after hitting his first 3-pointer of the game. Prall, known for his shooting, had began the season in a shooting slump, shooting just 4-21, but he hit 3 threes today, shooting 50%. (photo by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)
From the start, Augusta’s offense was in complete command. The Jaguars poured in 62 first-half points, shooting nearly 68 percent in the first 20 minutes and building a cushion Emmanuel (0-3) could never fully erase. Whenever the Lions tried to gain momentum, AU answered with crisp ball movement, open threes and timely finishes at the rim.
Sophomore guard Elias Pálsson once again led the way for Augusta with 29 points, going 8 for 18 from the field and 11 for 13 at the free-throw line while adding five rebounds and five assists. His ability to score at all levels proved critical in keeping Emmanuel from gaining any real momentum.
Metress also talked about Palsson’s ability to take it to the hole.
“This is the way the game is played, put your head down, drive, get some contact and get to the line,” the Augusta coach said.
The Jaguars also benefited from balanced scoring across the roster. Tobias Prall added 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting with three made threes, while Charlie McBeath provided a spark with 15 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting night, including 3-for-3 from deep.
Metress talked about how tough McBeath has been to open the season.
“He’s hard on himself when he makes a mistake,” Metress said. “He is a competitive kid, but he’s hard on himself.”
Rodney Scott dished out five assists, and Luis Nonfon pulled down a team-high eight boards to go along with his 15 points. Off the bench, Oliver Lucas contributed five points, five rebounds and three assists, giving Augusta strong minutes on both ends of the floor.
As impressive as the shooting numbers were, Augusta’s control of the game also came from its discipline. The Jaguars assisted on 18 of their 36 made field goals and committed only eight turnovers, showing poise and connection in their first appearance at Christenberry Fieldhouse this season.
Emmanuel’s Devin Story, an Evans High School alumnus, put together a remarkable 39-point outing, but Augusta’s efficiency made it difficult for the Lions to build any sustained run.
In front of the home crowd for the first time this year, the Jaguars delivered a complete and convincing performance—highlighted by efficient offense, balanced scoring, and steady composure. The 110–99 win sets a strong tone for the rest of the season as Augusta continues to settle into its identity and build momentum heading into the next stretch of games.
They will hit the road on Saturday, Nov. 22, to face Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, N.C. The Jaguars’ next home game is Tuesday, Nov. 25, when they host Converse University.
Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.
At the top of the page, Sophomore Carlton Young (6) rises up over the defense for a ferocious slam.
Below, Elias Parson (8) breaks lose on the fast break for a layup. Palsson lead the Jaguars with 29 points. (photos by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)
