Box Score Augusta, Ga. – The Augusta University Women's Basketball team defeated the Pain College Lions 71-61 tonight in a non-conference matchup. The Jags improve to 3-5 on the season, while Pain drops to 3-4.
Augusta jumped out to a 13-2 lead in the first quarter in what looked to be a blow-out. The Lions responded by cutting down the Jaguar lead to 3 by the end of the quarter.
Kennedi Manning opened up the second quarter by slipping through the defense and delivering a layup, then followed it up with a clean jumper to make it 21-14 right out the gates. The Lions Offense re-awoke immediately after Augusta's quick start, as they chipped away at the score, eventually flipping it to a 24-23 lead in their favor.
Paine pulled out to a 27-23 lead moments later, but Crystal Corley's three-point rocket reinvigorated the Jaguar squad. Augusta regained the lead and closed out the half with a 35-33 edge.
Manning opened up the scoring once again for Augusta at the start of the third, pulling up and knocking through a jumper barely 30 seconds in. Both squads traded baskets from that point on, but Augusta kept its slim lead throughout, managing a five point edge as they moved into the final stanza.
With the fourth and final quarter underway, Paine opened the scoring with a quick layup. After the Lions made a pair of free-throws, Augusta scored six unanswered points to make it an eight point game. The Jags pulled back and focused on defense for the remainder of the game, working the score up to 71-58 within the last couple minutes.
Paine launched in a three-pointer at the buzzer, but Augusta still closed it out with a ten-point victory.
The Jaguars were led by Manning and Zairya West on offense. Manning dropped in eight-of-14 from the field, scoring a team high 18 points. West went seven-for-18 from the field, totaling 17 points. Manning also led the Jags in steals, swiping five on the night while also posting a pair blocks.
Kiera Howard supported her offense with a team high seven assists in the game, while Manning snagged seven rebounds to lead the squad.
As a team, Augusta shot 28-of-59 (47.5%) from the field, including a two-for-nine mark beyond the arch. The Jags sunk 13-of-18 free-throws, and picked up 22 total rebounds in game.
Augusta returns to action when they begin Peach Belt play, hosting Georgia Southwestern at 5:30 p.m. on December 19th.
