AUGUSTA, Ga – The No. 13 Augusta University men's basketball team defeated Bowie State 73-70 in front of a packed house of Richmond County 5th graders in its annual Education Day game on Thursday afternoon.

Augusta University Athletics hosted over 2,100 Richmond Country fifth graders as well as their teachers and staff. Admission was free to all in attendance.
This year's Education Day Game was a welcome return after the past two have been affected by Covid.
 







"Today was awesome," said Richmond County School System Director of Athletics Scott McClintock.  "AU was definitely prepared for our students.  Our kids were so excited about being there and did not leave disappointed.  There were plenty of chances for our students to be involved and a large number of giveaways for the kids. All in all, it was a great day for our students! Thanks for everything!"

Richmond Country 5^th grade students started arriving to Christenberry Fieldhouse around 10:00am and were greeted by Augusta University Cheerleaders, Jaguar Elite Dance Team, and Augusta University Pom and Dance. Concessions were opened early and dance music set the atmosphere for the 11:00am tipoff.

"How about that atmosphere for the Queensborough National Bank & Trust Co. Education Game?" said head men's basketball coach Dip Metress. "Special shout out to Richmond County schools for making this happen after a two year hiatus.  I truly feel that we have the best Education game in the country." 
 
After students accompanied starters for introductions, Lake Forest Hills Elementary school students sang the national anthem. During the game, students were featured on the arena's videoboards and participated in on-court activities during timeouts. Contests included trivia, layup contests, a free-throw contest, and prize giveaways.

Halftime featured remarks from Queensborough Bank & Trust Co. and Richmond  Superintendent of School Dr. Kenneth Bradshaw. A special presentation was made by Dr. Judi Wilson (Dean of the Augusta University College of Education and Human Development) to Richmond Country's Teacher of the Year Shikara Willis. Coincidentally, Willis is a 5^th grade teacher at Charles T. Walker Magnet School and her class was in attendance at the game to see her honored.  Halftime concluded with a game of musical chairs and a performance from Jaguar Elite Dance Team.

"Education Day was a blast!" said Augusta University Director of Athletics Ryan Erlacher. "We would like to thank Richmond County school officials, teachers, and students for spending the day with us and cheering on the Jags.  It was great to see our campus and community come together to provide a first-class experience for over 2,000 fifth grade students. We look forward to hosting Education Day for years to come."
 
 
AUGUSTA vs BOWIE STATE
 
Augusta (6-1)
FG% 45.8
3PT% 30
FT% 71.9
 
Bowie State (2-8)
FG% 44.9
3PT% 33.3
FT% 78.6
 
In the game, the Jaguars were paced by senior Miguel Arnold's 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals in the victory. Tyshaun Crawford had 15 points and 8 rebounds while Darren Lucas-White carded 12 points. Prior to tipoff, Lucas-White was honored for scoring his 1,000^th career point.

Returning to the lineup, Ja'Queze Kirby notched 9 points, 4 rebounds, and a block.

The Jaguars open Peach Belt conference play this Saturday at home against Georgia Southwestern. The women's basketball game tips at 1:30pm while the men's game starts at 3:30pm.
 
Live stats and video will be available at augustajags.com
 
Fans of Jaguar Athletics can subscribe to the email listserve by clicking here. Fans can follow Augusta University at www.AugustaJags.com and receive short updates on Facebook at Augusta University Athletics and on Twitter at @AugustaJags