AIKEN, S.C. - In a Peach Belt Conference
Tournament championship game that more than lived up to its
pre-game billing, the fifth-ranked Augusta State Jaguars won a
thrilling 65-64 showdown over 17th-ranked USC Aiken on Sunday
afternoon at the USCA Convocation Center.
The title marked the third Peach Belt Conference Tournament
championship in school history for ASU, and the Jags' first
tournament championship since 2002. It also represented the first
PBC Tournament title for ASU under fifth-year head coach Dip
Metress.
With the win, the Jags (26-4) became the first PBC regular-season
champion to also claim the tournament title since Kennesaw State
pulled off the feat in 2004. The victory extended the ASU winning
streak to 12 straight, the third-longest in school history. The
Jags improved to 17-7 vs. nationally-ranked opponents under
Metress, including 5-3 this season.
The contest featured 11 ties and 13 lead changes, and neither team
had more than a six-point lead throughout. In the second half
alone, there were nine ties and 11 lead changes.
ASU built a 52-47 lead on an offensive rebound and putback by
sophomore guard Caleb Brown with 8:54 left. Senior center Garrett
Siler stretched the lead to six points on a 3-point play at the
8:36 mark. However, USC Aiken (23-7) used an 8-0 run to take a
57-55 lead on a driving layup by Javonte Clanton.
The Jags moved back in front on two Ben Madgen free throws with
2:53 remaining, but USC Aiken countered with a jump shot off the
glass by Josh Dollard to take a 64-62 lead at the 2:03 mark.
That would be the final field goal scored by either team down the
stretch. Madgen put ASU back up for good with two free throws with
1:25 remaining, but there was plenty of drama and excitement in the
waning moments.
USC Aiken had two opportunities to go in front. However, Chris
Commons missed an open 3-point attempt with 58 seconds remaining.
And after forcing ASU into a missed shot, Cordaryl Ballard had an
open alley in the lane in the final seconds, but his short
five-footer was off the mark.
ASU's Madgen sealed his PBC Tournament Most Valuable Player
honors with 23 points and added six rebounds. Siler carded 13
points and two blocks, while junior guard Daniel Dixon chipped in
10 points and four assists. Junior forward Greg Hire netted eight
points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
USCA's Clanton scored 16 points, followed by Ballard with 15
points. Dollard and Commons each scored 14 points for the
Pacers.
Joining ASU's Madgen and Dixon on the All-Tournament Team
were Commons and Dollard along with Shaun Keaton from Georgia
College & State and Armstrong Atlantic State's Calvin
Wilson.