AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Augusta State closes out its
non-conference schedule Saturday night when ASU hosts cross-town
rival Paine College in "The City Classic" at George A.
Christenberry Fieldhouse. Game time for the women's game is set for
6:00 p.m., while the men's teams are scheduled to meet at 8:00
p.m.
ASU swept Paine last season, with the women routing the Lady Lions
78-53 and the men taking a 91-82 victory. ASU's men lead the series
with Paine 14-13, while the Lady Jags own a 25-7 advantage over
Paine.
The Jaguars will enter the game looking to build on the momentum
of a three-game winning streak. ASU knocked off Winston-Salem State
81-67 on Monday, Dec. 30 to improve to 5-4 on the season and avenge
an earlier loss to the Rams. The victory also moved ASU over the
.500 mark for the first time this season. Senior forward David
Siebrands continues to lead the Jags in scoring at 14.0 ppg. Junior
guard Jermale Wilkerson (11.6), junior forward Patrick Curran
(10.7) and senior guard Chris Harriman (10.4) are all averaging
double figures in scoring.
The insertion of senior guard/forward Darrick Broddie into the
starting lineup three games ago has paid off as well. Broddie is
shooting nearly 73 percent from the field and is the Jags'
second-leading rebounder over that span. ASU's three-game winning
streak has also coincided with the team's defensive improvement.
After surrendering an average of 85 points in its four losses, ASU
has allowed just 64.6 ppg. over its last three contests. The Jags
have found their shooting touch as well, connecting on 55.9 percent
of its shots while limiting their opponents to just 42.0
percent.
Despite Monday's 75-70 loss to Shaw in Raleigh, N.C., the Lady
Jaguars are off to their best start (6-2) in their four seasons
under Head Coach Greg Wilson. Junior point guard Ernesia Wideman
scored a season-high 19 points and dished out five assists in the
loss. ASU shot just six free throws, compared to Shaw's 30
attempts, and the Lady Jags were whistled for 26 fouls compared to
just 12 for Shaw.
Senior forward Sabrina Jones continues to lead ASU in scoring at
14.8 ppg., while frontcourt mate Arijana Sijercic leads the team in
rebounding at 8.3 and is second in scoring at 13.5. Wideman remains
the Lady Jags' main backcourt scoring threat at 10.9 ppg. ASU is
receiving solid bench play as well, with the reserves contributing
over 17 points per game.
ASU's success can be attributed to its improved shooting. The Lady
Jags are shooting nearly 47 percent from the field, while their
opponents are only connecting on 35.1 percent of their shot
attempts. ASU has won the battle on the boards as well, averaging
over six more rebounds per game than their opponents.
For tickets, please call 737-1626. All tickets are $5, and no
passes or season tickets will be honored.