The Augusta University Men's Basketball team defeated the top seeded UNC Pembroke Braves, 75-65, at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon. The Jags improve to 17-7 overall and 12-4 in Peach Belt Conference play. The Braves move to 19-5 on the year and 13-3 in the Peach Belt Conference.
A 10-0 Augusta run propelled the Jags to a 15-11 lead midway through the 1st half. The Jaguars and visiting Braves traded baskets for much of the first half. The Jags were able to build a 30-23 off a made lay-up by Senior Rafael Monteiro. Answering buckets by Pembroke's Davis Smother and Micah Kinsey cut the lead to 34-30 at the half.
The Jags shot 54.2% from the field in the first half. Rafael Monteiro led the way for the Jags as he netted 13 points on 4-for-6 shooting. Troy Cracknell added 9 points on 3-for-4 shooting, while going 3-for-4 from the free throw line.
The Jags extended their lead to double digits in the second half with strong offensive production. Augusta outscored the Braves 41-35, in the second half.
The Jags shot 28-for-48 (58.3%) from the field, adding a 2-for-9 (22.2%) mark from downtown. The Jags went 17-for-24 (70.8%) from the charity stripe.
Tyree Myers led Augusta with 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting, hitting two 3-pointers. Rafael Monteiro also had 18 points on the night as he went 5-for-8 from the field, and went 8-for-12 from the free throw line. Leading the team in rebounds were Tyshaun Crawford and Darren Lucas-White with 7 apiece.
The Jaguars head out on the road as they travel to Dahlonega, GA to take on the University of North Georgia Nighthawks on Wednesday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m.
