AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta University women's basketball team returned from the Thanksgiving break still hungry and dominate Clark Atlanta 84-48 in Christenberry Fieldhouse on Sunday afternoon. The Jaguars led by as much as 36 points in the non-conference victory.
Playing their second game of the season in the 'berry, Augusta (2-0) used a 28-4 run to blow out the Panthers (3-1) on Sunday. The Jaguars led by 30 for the majority of the second half. In his seven seasons in Augusta, head coach Nate Teymer is now 5-2 against CAU with the win.
Sophomore Brianna Middleton had a career day on the court and recorded her best collegiate performance with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Middleton led all scorers as she recorded her first double-double of her career.
Junior Abrea Harris scored 15 points and had six rebounds off the bench, while senior Breonna O'Conner scored 14 points with five boards, three assists, and two steals. Junior Cynara Pitt produced 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds as Augusta outrebounded the Panthers 56-35.
Augusta shot 43.2 percent from the floor and held Clark Atlanta to 32.8 percent shooting. The free-throw line was a deciding factor with the Jags making 19-of-28 (67.9 percent) and the Panthers 4-of-6 (66.7 percent).
The Jags were 1-for-11 from three point land, but had 42 points in the paint to CAU's 16. Marissa Mandeldove led CAU with 13 points and Kiyanna Johnson had 10.
The Jags went on a 7-0 run to start the game and held a 15-8 advantage at the end of the first 10-minute period. Midway through the second half Sydni Graham knocked down back-to-back jumpers for Clark Atlanta to cut the game to a four-point affair, but it wouldn't last.
Lovett hit a contested shot and made the free throw after she was fouled and Middleton and Pitt followed with two quick baskets to rebuild an 11-point lead.
Augusta was on top 34-18 at the half – led by Middleton's career-best 10 points and eight rebounds in the first 20 minutes. Augusta used a 14-2 run to close the first half despite not hitting a three pointer.
Clark Atlanta only scored four points from the close of the first half to midway in the third period. Kiyanna Johnson made the first three pointer of the game at the 3:36 mark in the third period and she hit another for a 54-30 score.
Augusta's Abrea Harris honed in her skills from beyond the arc and hit the first Jaguar three. Harris came down the floor and hit another basket and then blocked the opposing CAU shot. Augusta never slowed down their offensive pace and blew out the Panthers 84-48.
The Jaguars host a single non-conference game against Coker College on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at 6:00 p.m. in Christenberry Fieldhouse.
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