Augusta University Women's and Men's teams grab wins in season's first double-header

Senior Breonna O'Conner scored 27 points in 23 minutes in Tuesday's win.

For most of Tuesday evening, Augusta University's double-header at Christenberry Fieldhouse was an extended celebration as the Lady Jaguars routed Fort Valley State 73-47 in their season opener, and the men beat a solid Benedict squad 79-70, rebounding from Saturday's loss to West Georgia and establishing a 4-1 record going into Thanksgiving break.

The next double-header is Sunday, November 27, at home against Clark-Atlanta for the women's (2:00 tip) and against Wingate for the men (4:00 tip).

Senior Breonna O'Conner shot out of a cannon in the early game, scoring 11 and assisting on another four in the opening 7:25 of the first quarter during a 17-9 run that set the tone for the game. O'Conner finished with 27 points, leading all scorers, in 23 minutes of action. Ashleigh Outler, a South Carolina State transfer and Cross Creek graduate, scored 9 points on 2 of 6 shooting from deep. And Abrea Harris added 9 points.

Five Jaguars score in double figures in convincing win

After falling behind Benedict 11-5, the men would start a 35-16 run that lasted until halftime when the Jags would claim a 40-27 lead on their way to a 79-70 decision. Five Augusta players scored 10 or more points. Tyvez Monroe led the way with 16, Tamyrik Fields added 15, Deane Williams and Kyle Doyle each chipped in 13, and Keshun Sherrill added 11.

The Jags took their first lead with 12:15 remaining in the first half after Doyle converted a three point play. After scoring over 25 points per game during the first four, Keshun Sherrill scored his first field goal Tuesday on a fast break layup that extended Augusta's lead to 24-17 at the 6:04 mark in the first half. Doyle punctuated the first half spurt with a bucket just before halftime that put Augusta ahead 40-27.

Doyle closed the door on Benedict's most significant second half run when he scored in the post to give Augusta a 54-46 advantage with 11:57 remaining in the game.

More college hoops news

Also in other college hoops news, United States Merchant Marine Academy senior and former Augusta Eagles homeschool star Matt Miller notched his 1000th career point in last night's game at Hunter College. Matt scored the milestone bucket when he cut Hunter's lead to 2 at 41-39 in the second half as part of his squad's most effective run at the lead before falling short on the road. Miller is scoring 18 points per game through three. He earned Skyline Weekly Honor Roll recognition after a recent 33 point outburst.

Keeling scores 20; continues scoring streak

And Charleston Southern Buccaneers freshman Christian Keeling, a Laney graduate, continued to play lights out basketball, scoring 20 points on 8 of 11 shooting, and leading the Bucs with 7 rebounds in a 66-65 comeback (from 17 down) win at Abilene Christian.