Augusta women's hoops wins third straight on the year

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Sophomore Joshlyn Belcher connected for six three pointers as Augusta never lost the lead to outlast Converse College on the road in a 75-63 non-conference victory Tuesday night.

The Jaguars (6-2) played their fifth road game of the season and head into Peach Belt Conference play on a three-game win streak. Augusta plays at Georgia Southwestern this Thursday, Dec. 17 at 5:30 p.m. in Americus, Ga.

Converse shot 40.0 percent from the field to Augusta's 37.8, but the Jaguars had 14 turnovers to the Valkyries' 29. The Jags turned in 32 points off turnovers, while three players scored in double figures. Senior Kariel Hutt notched her 12th double-double of the year with 11 points and 12 rebounds, and junior Breonna O'Conner provided 14 points.

After they scored the opening bucket from senior Lonna Turner, Augusta never lost the lead despite Converse making a few close runs. Belcher's three pointer at 2:28 in the first quarter put the Jags up by 13 against the Valkyries and after two minutes of the second quarter, Augusta strengthened the lead to 18 on a Tavia Sykes jumper.

Belcher sunk four first-half three pointers and finished the night with six total and 20 total points. Converse called a timeout with 8:12 remaining in the first half to slow Augusta. Out of the 30 second pause, the Valkyries sprinted to a 15-0 run and made it a four-point game with Kassidy Morehouse's trey.

The Jags led 37-32 at the half and scored 13 points off of 10 Converse turnovers. Converse was led by Hollis' game-high 21 points off the bench, while Brianna James scored 16 in the loss.

To open the second half, Augusta rebuilt a 12-point lead, but it didn't last long as the shooting went cold from the field. The Jags were 21-of-60 (35.0 percent) from the field through the first three quarters and let Converse back into a tight game.

Logan Hollis hit a jumper for Converse with 58 seconds left in the third quarter for a one-point game. Augusta junior Breonna O'Conner hit a free throw and layup to keep the lead intact and sophomore Cynara Pitt connected on two at the charity stripe with 9:00 to go in the contest.

With 1:21 to play, O'Conner's layup had the Jags back up by 10 and they held on for the victory.

Augusta opens Peach Belt Conference play on Thursday, Dec. 17 at Georgia Southwestern in Americus, Ga., for a 5:30 p.m. game.

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