Box Score Jags leading PBC East Division as four players score in double figures
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Leading the Peach Belt Conference East Division, the Augusta Jaguars recovered from an early deficit to blow by the Young Harris Mountain Lions for a 68-55 PBC victory in Christenberry Fieldhouse on Monday afternoon.
Coming off an upset victory over nationally-ranked Columbus State, the Jags (14-4, 7-2 PBC) had four players score in double figures over YHC. Junior Breonna O'Conner put a team-high 15 points, sophomores Joshlyn Belcher and Cynara Pitt each had 12 off the bench, and junior Kayla Lovett scored 11 points with eight rebounds.
Augusta went down 10-0 to the Mountain Lions (7-9, 2-7 PBC) in the first five minutes of the game after three turnovers resulted in quick fast-break buckets. The Jags trailed the in first half until the 4:45 mark, but Belcher hit her first shot attempt on the day from downtown to bring the Jags within one.
Belcher hit four three pointers in the win and continues to lead the league in deep balls.
YHC's Meredith Tarver had four first-half steals and 11 points in the opening 20 minutes to help the Mountain Lions maintain the early lead. Under two minutes, Rachel Harrell hit two corner three-pointers to go up 31-25, but at the halftime buzzer, Augusta junior Breonna O'Conner got off a trey just in time and hit the basket for a 31-28 halftime score.
After two minutes in the third quarter, the Jags tied the game for the first time with a Lonna Turner free throw at the 8:27 mark. YHC regained the advantage until Belcher fired another three ball that stole the lead. Cynara Pitt's put-back layup put Augusta up 41-38 and they never let go of the lead.
With 6:15 to play, Belcher hit her fourth from downtown to boost the lead to 13 in Augusta's favor. The Jags shot 45.8 percent from the floor to YHC's 35.1 percent. The Mountain Lions won the rebound battle 35-34, but Augusta hit 19-of-29 free throws to YHC's 11 from the charity stripe and outscored their bench 30-14.
Both the Jaguar women and men return to action on Saturday, Jan. 23 for the "Miracle Game"doubleheader. Teaming up with Jaguar Miracle, the Jaguar men's and women's basketball teams will host the "Miracle Game" for the Peach Belt Conference doubleheader with the Flagler Saints at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in Christenberry Fieldhouse. The game will serve to raise awareness and funds for Jaguar Miracle – benefitting the local Children's Miracle Network Hospital.
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