AMERICUS, Ga. – The Augusta University men's basketball team dropped its Peach Belt Conference opener against Georgia Southwestern, 68-64, in the Storm Dome Thursday night.
A 37-26 halftime deficit proved too difficult to overcome for Augusta (3-4, 0-1 PBC) in its attempt to rally from behind. GSW (5-3, 1-0 PBC) controlled the majority of the first period, leading by as many as 14 points.
In the second period, the Jaguars regrouped to create a one-point affair, 54-53, following a three-pointer from freshman Aaron Byrd.
A clutch layup from the Hurricanes' Damien Leonard gave the team a slime 64-60 advantage with 1:09 reaming. Junior Keshun Sherrill knocked down both free throws on the next possession for a 64-62 margin.
However, the Hurricanes managed to make just enough free throws in the final seconds to secure the win.
Sherrill paced the Jags offense with 23 points following a career-best 43 point performance against Coastal Georgia Tuesday. Sophomore Tamyrik Fields pitched in 12 points and junior Keith Crump added 10 off the bench.
As a team, the Jaguars collected 38 rebounds, forced 12 turnovers and produced 17 points off turnovers.
Augusta plays another conference matchup at Montevallo on Saturday, Dec. 19 for a 4:30 p.m.
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