Men’s hoops earns third straight victory in 88-76 game over Armstrong

 The Augusta University men’s basketball team won its third game in a row on Saturday afternoon with an 88-76 Peach Belt Conference victory over the Armstrong State Pirates in Christenberry Fieldhouse.

The Jaguars improved to 19-6 overall and 12-5 in the Peach Belt, while the loss slid Armstrong to 10-15 and 5-11 in the league.

Five Jaguars scored double figures, with senior Keshun Sherrill scoring 22 to lead the team. Sophomore Deane Williams put up 14 points and eight rebounds, junior Tamyrik Fields had 11 points, and sophomores Tyvez Monroe and Vlad Cobzaru 10 each.

Augusta shot 51.7 percent (31-of-60) from the floor to Armstrong’s 41.4 percent (23-of-56). At the free-throw line AU made 22-of-26 (84.6 percent) and the Pirates 23-for-30 (76.7 percent). Armstrong outrebounded AU 35-33, but the Jags force them into 19 turnovers while only having 12.

Armstrong was led by Denzel Council’s 23 points and Kalen Clifton’s 15.

Armstrong made the first bucket of the day, but AU regained the lead 11-8 on a TC Fields jumper. Augusta ignited the offense to close the second half and take a 40-30 lead into the locker room at halftime.

AU forced the Pirates into 12 turnovers and only committed five in the first half. Sherrill and Williams led the team in the first half scoring with Sherrill scoring 12 and Williams 10.

The Jags never trailed in the second half and prevailed 88-76.

Augusta plays across town at Paine College on Monday, Feb. 13 for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff in The HEAL Complex in Augusta, Ga. The women are set to play at 5:30 p.m.

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