COLUMBUS, Ga. – Nadiyah Byard led all scorers with 19 points, but Augusta fell 70–56 at No. 24 Columbus State on Wednesday night at the Lumpkin Center. The Jaguars move to 6–3 overall and 3–2 in Peach Belt play, while the Cougars improve to 9–2 and 4–1 in the league.

Augusta set the tone early, jumping out to a 4–0 lead behind finishes from Byard and Quinasia Abercrombie and holding a 15–12 advantage after one quarter. Columbus State responded in the second, using an 18–12 frame to take a 30–27 lead into halftime.

The Jaguars stayed within striking distance in the third. Byard continued to attack in transition, and Amari Jackson was active around the rim on both ends as Augusta trimmed the deficit to two late in the period. Columbus State carried a 47–45 edge into the final quarter.

The Cougars created separation in the fourth, shooting 10-for-13 in the period to pull away down the stretch.

Byard finished with 19 points to lead Augusta, while Abercrombie added 12. Jackson posted 10 points and a team-high eight rebounds, along with four blocks, and Elyse Autrey recorded six assists.

Augusta will wrap up play before the holiday break with a road game at Belmont Abbey on Saturday, Dec. 20.

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