Augusta, GA - Augusta State University’s men’s basketball team defeated West Georgia 66-61 Monday night at the ASU Athletic Complex. The game marked the home opener for head coach Gary Tuell’s Jaguars.
With the victory ASU improves to 2-1 on the season, while West Georgia falls to 2-2.
ASU had already faced West Georgia once this season, losing in Carrollton 76-74 in overtime.
Despite being outrebounded 37-33, the Jaguars shot 52 percent from the floor on 26 of 50 shooting. Leading the way was Gary Boodnikoff with 17 points. Boodnikoff continued his torrid pace of late with six of nine from the floor, including two of three three-pointers. The Alice Springs, Australia native also chipped in with a team-high five rebounds. Other double-figure scorers for the Jaguars included T.J. Ott with 14 points and Marcus Gradney with 10 points.
Festus Hawkins, a 6-11 senior center, did see 23 minutes of playing time despite nursing a leg injury. Prior to the game, ASU was listing Hawkins’ status as day-to-day. He scored nine points and hauled in five rebounds.
West Georgia was led offensively by Andy Young’s 20 points. Jeff Hickman chipped in with 12 points in the losing effort.
The Jaguars will be in action again Thursday at the Queens College Classic in Charlotte, N.C. The Jaguars will face Rollins College in their tournament-opener.