AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta concluded the 2025-26 season Wednesday night falling 71-56 to North Georgia

North Georgia (19-6, 13-6 Peach Belt) used efficient shooting and a steady second half to pull away, while Augusta finished the year 12-18 overall and 7-13 in conference play.

The Jaguars were competitive early. Elías Pálsson scored on a tip-in and a jumper in the opening minutes, and Daniel Daramola added a pair of baskets in the paint to keep the score tight. After four ties in the first half, North Georgia used a 9-0 stretch midway through the period to create separation. Augusta trimmed the margin to six late on a Tobias Prall layup and a Pálsson free throw, but the Nighthawks closed the half on a late bucket to take a 33-24 lead into the break.

Out of halftime, Daramola converted two free throws and Matias Zanotto added a jumper to cut the deficit to seven. However, North Georgia responded with consecutive interior baskets and free throws to extend the margin back to double digits. The Nighthawks shot 58.8 percent in the second half and went 16-for-19 at the line over the final 20 minutes to maintain control.

Augusta continued to battle. Zanotto knocked down a three midway through the second half to bring the Jaguars within 11, and Pálsson added a tip-in in the closing minute, but North Georgia answered each push to secure the 71-56 result.

Daramola led Augusta with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, adding five assists and two steals. Pálsson followed with 12 points and a team-high five rebounds. Zanotto and Charlie McBeath finished with seven points each, while Camryn Pacheco contributed five points and three assists.

North Georgia placed four players in double figures, led by AJ White and Colin Turner with 14 points apiece. Jameel Rideout added 13 points, and Chase Champion finished with 12.

The season also featured a significant milestone for Augusta head coach Dip Metress, who recorded the 600th win of his career earlier this year.

Augusta graduates one senior in Evan Joyner and returns 12 underclassmen and eight freshmen heading into the 2026-27 season.

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