MORROW, Ga. – Head coach Dip Metress picked up the 600th victory of his career Wednesday night as Augusta men's basketball defeated Clayton State, 82-60, at The Loch. Metress, now in his 22nd season leading the Jaguars, reached the milestone with several former players and supporters in attendance. Metress will be honored prior to Saturday's home contest against Middle Georgia.
Augusta improved to 11-17 overall and 6-12 in Peach Belt Conference play, while Clayton State fell to 2-23 overall and 1-16 in the PBC. The game was played in front of 212 fans.
The Lakers opened the game with a pair of early three-pointers to take a 6-0 lead, but Augusta responded quickly. Luis Nonfon scored in the paint to get the Jaguars on the board, and Augusta began to settle in offensively behind Elías Pálsson, who connected on multiple jumpers and a pair of threes to help swing the momentum.
After Clayton State briefly regained the lead midway through the half, Augusta's bench provided a spark. Tobias Prall knocked down three three-pointers in the opening period, and the Jaguars finished the half on a strong run to take a 37-26 advantage into the break.
Augusta continued to build separation in the second half, opening with a three from Pálsson and an interior finish by Nonfon to extend the lead to 42-26. Charlie McBeath added a three and a transition layup as the Jaguars pushed the margin past 15, and Augusta controlled the glass and second-chance opportunities throughout the period.
The Jaguars maintained control down the stretch, using balanced scoring and consistent paint production to close out the 82-60 victory.
Pálsson led Augusta with 20 points, shooting 6-for-13 from the field and 2-for-5 from three. Nonfon followed with 17 points and seven rebounds, while Prall added 15 points off the bench and hit three three-pointers. McBeath finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.
Augusta held a 42-20 advantage in points in the paint and finished with 21 second-chance points. The Jaguars also scored 18 fast-break points and out-rebounded Clayton State 47-28.
Clayton State was led by DJ Wright with 20 points, while Andre Young added 18.
Next up, Augusta returns home on Saturday, Feb. 21 for Homecoming and Senior Day, honoring Evan Joyner. Tipoff is set for 3:30 p.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
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
