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COLUMBUS, Ga. – In a thrilling upset, the Augusta University women’s basketball team toppled the No. 8 ranked Columbus State 82-71 on Saturday. This victory propels them into the Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship game, set for Sunday at the Lumpkin Center in Columbus, placing them just one win away from securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Augusta, boasting a 20-9 record, dominated the first half, surging ahead by 20 points. However, Columbus State made a formidable comeback in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to just six points at halftime and further reducing it to two by the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter saw Columbus State momentarily seize the lead, but Augusta’s Camerah Langston delivered a crucial three-pointer, reclaiming the advantage for the Jaguars. Augusta then maintained their momentum, scoring 26 points in the final quarter and clinching the win through decisive free throws in the closing minutes.
Leading the charge for Augusta was Elyse Autrey, who scored 21 points, shooting a flawless 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. She also contributed six rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Sierra Burns energized the team off the bench, adding 17 points on 6-of-11 shooting. Quinasia Abercrombie chipped in with 16 points and five steals, while Amari Jackson finished with 11 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. Langston supported the team with five points, four assists, and three steals, and Sa’Niah Dorsey contributed five points.
For Columbus State, now 25-4 overall and 18-2 in the Peach Belt, Letiya Reeves led the scoring with 21 points. Alana Hankerson scored 17, and Samara Saunders added 12 points to their tally.
Augusta returns to the floor Sunday, March 8 at 3:00 p.m. in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship game against Georgia College & State University, which defeated North Georgia 65-54 in the other semifinal game Saturday night. The Jaguars won both regular season meetings between the two.
The winner of the tournament earns the conference’s automatic berth to the NCAA Southeast Regional.
Augusta University Sports Communications contributed to this story