AUGUSTA, Ga- The Augusta University men's basketball team defeated Reinhardt in front of over 2,300 Columbia County fifth graders for the inaugural Columbia Education Day game on Monday morning. Admission was free to all in attendance. 

The activities kicked off with the performance of the National Anthem by Parkway Elementary School students. 

 After the anthem, students ran out with starters from both teams for introductions. A hype video accompanied sparklers, smoke, spotlights, and a newly installed Jaghead inflatable for Augusta University starting lineups. 

During the game, students were featured on the arena's videoboards and they participated in on-court activities during timeouts. Contests included trivia, layup contests, a dribbling contest, dance cams, and prize giveaways. Santa Clause even made a special guest appearance!

Halftime started with a performance from Jaguar Elite Dance Team, followed by remarks from Queensborough Bank & Trust Co. A new tablet was awarded to the winner of musical chairs. 

Augusta University President Dr. Brooks A. Keel then gave a special presentation, unveiling the new Augustus statue that will be installed at the main entrance of Christenberry Fieldhouse. 

After the game, players visited with the Columbia County students, signing tickets, t-shirts, playing cards, and taking pictures. 

Augusta (6-2)
FG% 48.5
3PT% 23.8
FT% 68.0

Reinhardt (4-8)
FG% 31.8
3PT% 17.2
FT% 65.4

Demitri Gardner led the Augusta offense with 17 points. Gardner was 5-for-10 from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free throw line. Senior David Viti scored 14 points. Maxamillian Amadasun was one rebound shy of his seventh double-double, carding 13 points and 9 rebounds. Carson Seeman scored a season-high 10 points and 5 rebounds. Ja’Queze Kirby led the rebounding effort with 10 rebounds to go along with nine points. 

Augusta returns to action on Tuesday, Dec 19 hosting Emmanuel at 7 pmin Christenberry Fieldhouse. The game serves as the annual Community Day Game – ADMISSION IS FREE TO ALL.

Live stats and video will be available at augustajags.com

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