AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Five Jaguars scored in double figures Monday night as fifth-ranked Augusta State jumped out to a big first-half lead and registered a 90-74 non-conference victory over No. 24 Valdosta State in Christenberry Fieldhouse.
Senior guard George Johnson booked a game-high 19 points for the Jags, who extended their home winning streak to 38 games, the fourth-longest active streak in the nation. Junior point guard O'Neal Armstrong tallied 16 points, five rebounds and five assists.
Senior guard Caleb Brown booked 15 points off the bench, senior forward Franck Ndongo netted 12 points and nine rebounds and sophomore guard Ben Purser added 11 points and three steals.
The Jags (15-1) improved to 21-8 vs. nationally-ranked opponents under head coach Dip Metress and finished undefeated in non-conference play (10-0) for the first time in his seven-year tenure. ASU is now 48-14 (.774) in out-of-league games under Metress, including 24-1 at home.
Kevin Harris notched 13 points and Martrez Scott chipped in 12 for the Blazers, who dropped to 14-4 with the loss.
ASU drilled seven 3-pointers in the first half and opened up a 21-point lead on a Purser layup with 1:37 left. During the run, Armstrong and Tye Beal combined for a six-point play when Armstrong canned a trey and was fouled by Harris, who was then whistled for a technical foul. Beal swished two free throws and then Armstrong canned a free throw of his to give the Jags a 35-21 lead with 5:30 to go in the half.
The Blazers heated up early in the second half, using a 15-4 run to cut their deficit to 53-43 in the first four minutes. The Jags twice pushed their lead back to 17 before VSU countered with a 12-0 run, pulling within 79-74 with 2:41 to play.
Johnson hit two free throws and drilled a jumper and ASU held the Blazers scoreless the last 2:41, missing on their final five field-goal attempts.
The Jags travel to UNC Pembroke on Thursday, Jan. 20 for a 7:30 p.m., Peach Belt Conference matchup before returning home to host PBC-rival USC Aiken on Monday, Jan. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
