COLUMBIA, S.C. –    The GRU Augusta women's basketball team opened their season on the road at Benedict and dropped a 93-82 overtime non-conference game to the Tigers on Saturday night in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.

The Jaguars had four starters score in double-figures: Junior-transfer Kariel Hutt led the way for GRU with 18 points, Kayla Roberts had 17 points, Camille Gee 16, and Tavia Sykes 13.

Jaguar senior Kelsey Fynaardt put the Jags up 4-0 with two early buckets in the paint. Benedict quickly cut the lead and stole it to go ahead by five with just over a minute to play. There were 12 lead changes and 15 tied scores in the first half of action. GRU outscored the Tigers 20-18 in the paint after the first 20 minutes – led by Camille Gee and Tavia Sykes, who each had 10 early points.

The Jaguars were doomed by 12 turnovers in the second half, as they were unable to carry their small first-half lead to a victory. Benedict's London Richardson made a layup to go up 76-72, but the Jags answered when Camille Gee kissed the glass to cut it to a one-basket affair with a few minutes remaining in regulation. BC made a free throw to go up by three, but with the clock winding down and the Jags down by three, Joshlyn Belcher hit a three with just eight seconds left to tie the game at 77-77 and send it into overtime.

The Tigers outscored GRU 16-5 in overtime and went on to take a 93-82 final.  Kariel Hutt led the way for GRU with 18 points and nine rebounds in her first game in a Jaguar uniform. Kayla Roberts had 17 points and five steals, Camille Gee added 16 points, and Tavia Sykes added 13 points and eight rebounds.

London Richardson who had a double-double scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead Benedict. Brittenique Harrison had 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. Kadeeja Vaughn scored 14 points, two blocks, six rebounds and Kari Jones had 10 points and six steals.

Benedict's bench outscored the Jaguars 42-12, despite there being six lead changes and 12 tied scores.

The Jaguar women's basketball team plays their home opener on Friday, Nov. 21 when they host Limestone for a non-conference match at 6:00 p.m. in Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow GRU Athletics at www.jaguarsroar.com and receive short updates on Facebook at GRU_Jaguars and on Twitter at @GRU_Jaguars.