Joyner honored, Prall powers Augusta to Senior Night victory over Middle Georgia

By Rodrigo Burgos Avila | Editor in chief

On a night dedicated to its lone senior, Augusta University University delivered a performance worthy of the occasion, defeating Middle Georgia 91-71 inside Christenberry Fieldhouse on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Senior Evan Joyner, honored pregame for his contributions to the program, finished with 12 points in 28 minutes, adding three rebounds and four assists in his final home appearance. While the spotlight began with Joyner, it ultimately shifted to Tobias Prall, who erupted for a game-high 21 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting. Prall added five rebounds and knocked down two three-pointers, helping Augusta shoot 49.2% from the field as a team.

Coach Dip Metress praised Prall’s all-around effort after the game.

Tobias Prall (2) celebrates with the fans after drilling a three from the corner. (photo by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)

“He’s playing the right way, making shots,” Metress said. “The best thing he’s doing is guarding the ball. He had a great game, but everything starts with his on-ball defense.”

After Metress praised Prall’s two-way performance, the junior guard spoke about the confidence that never faded, even when the shots weren’t falling.

“You know, just staying ready. I’ve never lost confidence in my shot. It just wasn’t falling,” Prall said. “I haven’t been able to produce offensively like I know I can, but I’ve always made sure, if I’m on the floor, that I was the best defender out there.”

Despite stretches of offensive inconsistency this season, Prall said he never doubted the type of player he is or the expectations placed on him.

“I know the type of player I am and I know what everybody has been expecting from me,” he said. “But being that we have a chance to make the conference tournament, it’s better now than never.”

Augusta took control early, leading 42-34 at halftime before pouring in 49 second-half points to put the game away. The Jaguars dominated the paint (32-36 edge in paint points), forced 23 turnovers, and turned defense into offense with 14 fast-break points. The bench also provided a major spark, outscoring Middle Georgia 50-37.

Charlie McBeath contributed 16 points, including a key three-pointer from the corner that drew praise from his head coach.

“I’m glad he made the corner three,” Metress said. “That’s the next step for him.”

The win improves Augusta’s momentum heading into a critical stretch run. With another home opportunity looming, Metress emphasized the importance of stacking victories.

“I’m happy to get a win to keep this thing going,” he said. “Now we get North Georgia at home and figure out what happens from there.”

Krishen Atwal led the Knights (4-14, 8-17) with 20 points, and OT Delancy added 15.

The Jags will now turn their focus to a tough matchup against North Georgia at home on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 7:30 p.m. as they look to keep their conference tournament hopes alive.

After Saturday, AU moved into eighth place in the Peach Belt standings, a half game ahead of rival USC Aiken. Only the top eight teams make the post-season tournament. Lander clinched at least a tie for the regular-season title Saturday. It had been 26 seasons since the Bearcats won the men’s PBC regular-season championship.

Contact Rodrigo Burgos Avila at rburgosavila@augusta.edu.

Evan Joyner (0) rises up over the defense for a deuce.

At the top of the page, Tobias Prall (2) shoots a heavily contested three from the corner. (photos by Rodrigo Burgos Avila/the Bell Ringer)