Marietta, GA - The Running Eagles cruised to a
72-55 victory over Augusta State Jaguars tonight for the fifth time
in so many matches lifetime. Life mustered together an impressive
second half performance in which team members contributed evenly.
Augusta State falls to 5-3 on the year while the hosting squad now
holds a 9-7 mark at the winter break point.
The first half proved to be a struggle for both schools as each
managed 12 baskets apiece. Life utilized the three point score to
take an advantage going into the locker room. The Running Eagles
shot well from behind the arc draining five of their ten attempts.
With less than half a minute remaining in the period, the Jaguars
trailed by one despite taking several leads throughout the half.
Life's Jason Sylvia added his only points of the evening via a
long-range bomb that yielded the 25-29 score.
Physical play ruled second half action that included three
technical fouls and a Jaguar player ejection. The Running Eagles
shot better than 60% in the final period for the first time this
year. Keith Stovall continued improving his individual statistics
as the junior forward finished the event with a team leading
19-points and six rebounds. Augusta State held the contest in check
with a strong offensive show from Festus Hawkins, a University of
Illinois transfer. Hawkins led all scoring with 23-points and
snagged eight boards. The one-man show could not carry his team,
though, as Life outscored its opponents 43-30 in the
half.
Life now moves into the holiday portion of its schedule and does
not resume play until the new year. The Running Eagles open again
with a four game home stand that begins on January 6th when
Tennessee Temple visits the Eagle's Nest. Life edged this team in
its first ever contest last season by the score of 63-68.