Augusta University tops Shaw; improves to 2-1

Augusta University shook off a slow start against Shaw and finished the first half on an 18-5 run to take an 8 point halftime lead before coasting to a 76-59 Saturday.

The Jags, who now stand 2-1 after victories on two consecutive Saturdays, were paced by the Peach Belt conference's preseason player of the year Keshun Sherrill's 25 points. The explosive point guard with a knack for making difficult shots appear routine eclipsed the 1000 point mark three games into his junior season. (That's fast!)

Sherrill scored 25 points to eclipse
1000 career points in Saturday's win.

The Jags' slow start led to a 19-14 Shaw lead with 5:05 remaining in the first half. Senior Tommy Williams and Sherrill were held to two combined points until Sherrill broke into the scoring column with a gutsy drive to the rim that sparked an 18-5 run to close the first half.

Williams and Sherrill scored 10 points in the spurt. In addition to the upperclassmen, coach Dip Metress had to be pleased with the play of freshmen Dean Williams, who scored 11 points, making 5 of 7 field goals, and another rookie, Tyvez Monroe, who scored 8 points and grabbed three offensive boards in a key two minute period during the second half that helped keep distance between the Jags and the Bears.

The Jaguars face Mount Olive Sunday at 4:00 P.M. at Christenberry Fieldhouse. Mount Olive won both games against Augusta last season, the second time knocking the Jags out of the NCAA tournament's first round.