Augusta's Sherrill explodes; Jags barely fall short in 73-67 loss to Wichita State

Keshun "Superman" Sherrill scored 28 second half points in Augusta
University's 73-67 loss to Division I power Wichita State State Saturday.

Augusta University's returning All-American Keshun Sherrill scored 27 points in a 12 minute stretch Saturday, helping the Jaguars nearly complete a 22 point comeback against Wichita State in an exhibition game at Charles Koch Arena, the home of the Division I preseason top 25 Shockers. Sherrill finished with 33 points, making 6 of 10 threes and 7 of 8 free throw attempts, in the 73-67 loss to the preseason favorite to win the Missouri Valley Conference.

Sophomore Tyvez Monroe chipped in 16 points, including 9 in the first half when Wichita State was threatening to run away from Augusta. The play of Monroe and fellow sophomore Andrew Parker, who scored a career high 7 points in the first half, kept the Jags barely within striking distance until Sherrill's onslaught began.

Sophomores Andrew Parker and Tyvez Monroe pulled the Jags to within 8 of Wichita State (29-21) with this mini run. Watch on ESPN3. pic.twitter.com/ruliWhJeEB

— Chad Cook's AugBball (@AugBball) November 5, 2016

Trailing 50-28 minutes into the second half, Sherrill, Monroe, and sophomore Aaron Byrd stitched together a series of baskets to cut the deficit to 52-42 with 10 minutes remaining. During the 14-2 run, Sherrill assisted on two Byrd threes, and Byrd found Monroe for another bomb that pulled the Jags to within 10 points of the Shockers for the first time since midway through the first half.

Sherrill took it from there, making improbable shots of all kinds, and from all angles. The 5'9" guard eventually made a three from right in front of Augusta's bench that narrowed Wichita State's lead to 66-65 with 3 minutes remaining and spurred a mini celebration from coach Dip Metress as Sherrill sprinted back on defense. That was as close as the Jags could make it.

I included audio from the post game press conference in the video above, which features the furious second half rally. Metress talked about Sherrill and how he wishes he could coach him for another year after this, his final season. I'm sure given the chance Metress would coach Keshun forever.

One season will have to be enough for Metress and the loyal Jags fans who poured into the restaurants in Augusta that broadcast today's game on ESPN3. If you missed the game, watch the replay here while it's still available. And try not to miss many more Jags games this season. Coach Metress's teams will always be special. 

But another player like Keshun Sherrill may not come again. I don't call him Superman for nothing.