GRANITEVILLE, S.C. – Quinasia Abercrombie scored 16 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, Amari Jackson added 15 points with nine boards and six blocks, and the Augusta University women's basketball team outscored rival USC Aiken 10-2 in overtime to earn a 61-53 Peach Belt Conference win Saturday afternoon at The Convocation Center.
Augusta improved to 17-7 overall and 12-5 in the PBC, while USC Aiken moved to 7-17 overall and 4-12 in league play.
USC Aiken jumped out early and led 21-12 after the first quarter, using transition chances and perimeter shooting to build its advantage. Augusta settled in during the second period, cutting into the lead at the line and tightening defensively to pull within 31-26 at the break.
The Jaguars continued to chip away after halftime. Jackson scored inside to keep Augusta within striking distance, and the defense forced USC Aiken into a series of empty possessions as the game moved into the fourth quarter still a one-score contest.
Augusta finally drew even late in regulation. With the Jaguars down two, Jackson knocked down a jumper with 59 seconds left to give Augusta a 51-49 lead. USC Aiken answered with a fast-break layup from Morgan McDermott with 19 seconds remaining to tie it at 51-51, and Augusta's final look at the buzzer came up short to send the rivalry matchup to overtime.
In the extra period, Augusta took control immediately. Elyse Autrey drilled a three-pointer at the 3:30 mark to break the tie, and the Jaguars made it stand up with defensive stops and timely rebounds. Nadiyah Byard followed with a jumper, and Sa'Niah Dorsey scored in the paint as Augusta kept adding to the margin. The Jaguars sealed it at the free-throw line in the final seconds to complete the comeback.
Abercrombie finished with 16 points, 11 rebounds and four assists. Jackson posted 15 points, nine rebounds and six blocks. Sierra Burns provided a spark off the bench with nine points on 2-for-2 shooting, including a three, and a perfect 4-for-4 at the line. Dorsey added eight points and five steals.
USC Aiken was led by Mahkayla Premo with 21 points, while Morgan McDermott scored 13.
Next up, Augusta heads to Clayton State on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. The Jaguars' next home game is Senior Day and Homecoming on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
