Jaguars stun No. 1 seed Columbus State to advance to the Peach Belt Championship

By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in Chief

The Augusta University women’s basketball team delivered one of the biggest wins in program history Saturday afternoon, defeating the top-seeded Columbus State Cougars 82–71 in the semifinals of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament at the Lumpkin Center.

With the victory, Augusta advances to the Peach Belt Conference Championship game and secures what is widely considered one of the most significant wins the program has achieved, especially during the tenure of head coach Celeste Stewart.

Augusta came out firing in the first quarter, jumping to a commanding 24–4 lead behind efficient shooting and strong defensive pressure. Although Columbus State responded with a 26-point second quarter to tighten the game, the Jaguars maintained control down the stretch.

The Jaguars were led by Elyse Autrey, who scored 21 points on 7-of-12 shooting and knocked down three three-pointers while also grabbing six rebounds. Sierra Burns added 17 points, while Quinasia Abercrombie contributed 16 points and three rebounds.

Amari Jackson provided a strong presence on the glass, finishing with 11 points and nine rebounds as Augusta controlled key possessions late in the game.

As a team, Augusta shot 29-for-49 from the field and converted 18 of 23 free throws, capitalizing on opportunities to keep Columbus State from mounting a full comeback.

Autrey said the team’s composure played a major role in the upset victory.

“We came up with composure. Coach preaches it all the time, that we are a talented team,” Autrey said. “Trusting everyone and our individual abilities, staying together and locked in.”

Head coach Celeste Stewart echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of unity as the Jaguars prepare for the championship game.

“The mentality, we talked about it all season, how important it is that we stay together, and we did that,” Stewart said.

The win marks a defining moment for the Jaguars, who improved to 20–9 overall and 13–7 in conference play. Defeating a Columbus State team that entered the game with a 25–4 record and an 18–2 Peach Belt mark underscores the magnitude of the upset.

Now, Augusta will play for the conference title with momentum on its side and the opportunity to add another historic chapter to the program’s season.

Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.