ASU Takes Thriller Over Pacer, 65-64

ASU Takes Thriller Over Pacers, 65-64
No. 5 Jaguars win first PBC Tournament Championship since 2002
Web Posted 3/8/09


AIKEN, S.C. -- – In a Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship
game that more than lived up to its pre-game billing, the fifth-ranked
Augusta State Jaguars won a thrilling 65-64 showdown over 17th-ranked
USC Aiken on Sunday afternoon at the USCA Convocation Center.

The title marked the third Peach Belt Conference Tournament
championship in school history for ASU, and the Jags' first tournament
championship since 2002. It also represented the first PBC Tournament
title for ASU under fifth-year head coach Dip Metress.

With the win, the Jags (26-4) became the first PBC regular-season
champion to also claim the tournament title since Kennesaw State pulled
off the feat in 2004. The victory extended the ASU winning streak to 12
straight, the third-longest in school history. The Jags improved to
17-7 vs. nationally-ranked opponents under Metress, including 5-3 this
season.

The contest featured 11 ties and 13 lead changes, and neither team had
more than a six-point lead throughout. In the second half alone, there
were nine ties and 11 lead changes.

ASU built a 52-47 lead on an offensive rebound and putback by sophomore
guard Caleb Brown with 8:54 left. Senior center Garrett Siler stretched
the lead to six points on a 3-point play at the 8:36 mark. However, USC
Aiken (23-7) used an 8-0 run to take a 57-55 lead on a driving layup by
Javonte Clanton.

The Jags moved back in front on two Ben Madgen free throws with 2:53
remaining, but USC Aiken countered with a jump shot off the glass by
Josh Dollard to take a 64-62 lead at the 2:03 mark.

That would be the final field goal scored by either team down the
stretch. Madgen put ASU back up for good with two free throws with 1:25
remaining, but there was plenty of drama and excitement in the waning
moments.

USC Aiken had two opportunities to go in front. However, Chris Commons
missed an open 3-point attempt with 58 seconds remaining. And after
forcing ASU into a missed shot, Cordaryl Ballard had an open alley in
the lane in the final seconds, but his short five-footer was off the
mark.

ASU's Madgen sealed his PBC Tournament Most Valuable Player honors with
23 points and added six rebounds. Siler carded 13 points and two
blocks, while junior guard Daniel Dixon chipped in 10 points and four
assists. Junior forward Greg Hire netted eight points and a game-high
10 rebounds.

USCA's Clanton scored 16 points, followed by Ballard with 15 points.
Dollard and Commons each scored 14 points for the Pacers.

Joining ASU's Madgen and Dixon on the All-Tournament Team were Commons
and Dollard along with Shaun Keaton from Georgia College & State and
Armstrong Atlantic State's Calvin Wilson.


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Robbie McKinlay

Assistant Men's Basketball Coach
Augusta State University
706-729-2449
South Atlantic Regional Champions 2008
National Finalists 2008