SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Augusta University women's basketball team defeated the Armstrong State Pirates 79-64 in a Peach Belt Conference contest on the road in Savannah, Ga.
The showdown in Savannah was a battle between two PBC East Division teams who entered the day only separated by one win. Augusta (10-7, 5-6 PBC) entered the day fourth in the PBC, while the Armstrong (7-12, 3-7 PBC) came on the court in sixth place in the east.
Jaguar sophomore Joshlyn Belcher made 6-of-8 three pointers and ended with a game-high 22 points. The last time out at Armstrong on Jan. 13, 2016, Belcher went 6-for-10 from the arc to guide AU to an 80-73 overtime win.
AU sophomore Brianna Middleton had her third double-double of the season with 14 points and 13 rebounds, senior Breonna O'Conner totaled 12 points and five boards, and senior Kayla Lovett posted nine points, four rebounds, and three steals.
The Jags shot 44.4 percent (28-for-63) from the floor and held the Pirates to 38.3 percent shooting (23-of-60). The rebound battle was 44-31 in favor of Augusta and the Jags outscored Armstrong 32-24 in the paint.
Armstrong was led by Mercedes Jenkins' 18 points, Machala Raymonville had 15 points, and Briana Gipson 12.
AU jumped to a 9-0 lead to begin the game with Brianna Middleton, O'Conner, and Lovett each knocking down field goals. The Jags outscored Armstrong 20-9 in the first period and outrebounded the Pirates 16-8 in the opening 12 minutes of play.
With 8:02 to go in the first half, Joshlyn Belcher assisted Mallory Myers on a three-point shot and Myers shared the love right back when Belcher buried one from deep for a 26-10 lead.
Augusta took the half 35-19 and never looked back. They led by as much as 20 and won 79-64 on the road.
The Jaguars host the USC Aiken Pacers on Monday, Jan. 30 for a 5:30 p.m. tipoff. A White Out is forecast for Christenberry Fieldhouse. Fans, don your favorite white outfit and head over to the berry' Monday for the annual rivalry showdown. The men play at 7:30 p.m. following with the women's game.
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