Jackson-led Jaguar women romp past Pacers, 59-46
Davis T. Harley | Sports writer
Augusta University leaned on a dominant performance from senior forward Amari Jackson and a stifling defensive effort to secure a 59–46 rivalry win over USC Aiken on Wednesday night, Jan. 14, at Christenberry Fieldhouse during the Jaguars’ “Paint It Blue” theme night.
Jackson set the tone early and never let up, finishing with 16 points, 16 rebounds and four assists on 7-of-15 shooting to anchor AU on both ends of the floor. Her presence in the paint fueled a fast start and helped the Jaguars control the tempo throughout the contest against their longtime Peach Belt rival.
Augusta, in third place in the Peach Belt Conference, opened the game with energy, jumping out to a 7–0 lead behind a quick 3-pointer from sophomore guard Elyse Autrey and a layup from senior forward Nadiyah Byard. USC Aiken responded with free throws and interior buckets from junior forward Mackenna Nix, trimming the deficit to one late in the first quarter. Still, Augusta carried a 15–14 edge into the second quarter after forcing multiple contested shots and turnovers.
The game swung decisively in the second quarter as Augusta clamped down defensively and turned defense into offense. Junior guard Tamir Whittle sparked the run with a steal and layup, while sophomore forward Quinasia Abercrombie converted in transition after a rebound. Augusta outscored USC Aiken 17–2 over a pivotal stretch, building a 32–16 halftime lead and holding the Pacers scoreless from the field for nearly six minutes.
Jackson continued to dominate coming out of the break, scoring the first six points of the third quarter on an offensive rebound putback and a pull-up jumper. Augusta pushed the lead to as many as 23 behind a 3-pointer from senior forward Camerah Langston and another triple from junior guard Sierra Burns. USC Aiken found some rhythm from beyond the arc late in the period, but Augusta maintained control and led 49–31 entering the fourth.
The Pacers made one final push early in the fourth quarter, using back-to-back 3-pointers from sophomore guard Ioanna Stefanaki to cut the deficit to 11. Augusta responded immediately. Jackson scored inside, then Whittle added a breakaway layup following a defensive stop, restoring momentum and forcing a USC Aiken timeout.
From there, Augusta calmly closed out the game at the free-throw line and on the defensive glass. Jackson capped her night with another strong finish inside, and the Jaguars held USC Aiken to just 15 points in the fourth quarter.
With the victory, Augusta claimed bragging rights in the rivalry matchup, showcasing balance, physicality and composure in front of a lively home crowd dressed in blue.
AU will host Livingstone on Friday, Jan. 15, at 5:30 p.m. for Women in Sports Day.
Contact Davis T. Harley at dharley@augusta.edu.
AU’s Sierra Burns (3) muscles past USC Aiken’s Monique Emelifeonwu. Burns had six points in the the Jaguars’ 59-46 win over the Pacers. At the top of the page, Amari Jackson (with the basketball) goes up for two of her team-high 16 points for Augusta. (photos by Lydia Williams/the Bell Ringer)
