Augusta, Ga. – The Augusta University Men's Basketball team defeated the Paine College Lions 98-68 in a non-conference game. The Jaguars improve to 5-3 on the season, while the Lions remain winless at 0-6.

The contest had a rather unusual start, with both squads tied at 1-1 for the first 2:20 of the game. Rafael Monteiro put in a layup to break the tie and get the offense rolling. Things remained close, until Troy Cracknell drained a jumper at 7:32 to kick-start a 19-2 run for the Jags that included 12 unanswered points.

With the Jags leading 46-28 at 2:26 remaining in the half, Augusta tacked on five more points to take a comfortable 51-32 lead into halftime.

In the second half Augusta continued the offensive onslaught. The Jags held a 71-46 lead halfway through the second. After the squad stretched the lead to 18, the Jags shifted to a more open style of play, bringing in fresh players to keep game out of reach.

The Jags closed the contest with a 30 point differential to secure the win.

Tyshaun Crawford led the Jags in scoring with 18 points on the night, picking up a double-double in the process with 10 rebounds. Monteiro was second in scoring with 17 points, while Cracknell managed 14.

As a team, the Jags shot 37-of-72 (51.4%) from the field, including a four-for-24 mark from downtown, and posting a 64.5% free-throw percentage (20-31). Augusta nabbed 45 rebounds in the contest, while snatching 10 steals.

The Jags will be back at it when they begin Peach Belt play on December 19th, as they host Georgia Southwestern at 7:30 p.m.