Jags top Claflin in home opener behind 35 from Keshun Sherrill

Keshun Sherrill scored 35 points, including 22 in the second half, to lead Augusta University to a 65-56 win over Claflin in Augusta's first home game of the season. The outburst from Sherrill, which came with stellar shooting statistics (9-17 field goals, 4-7 three point field goals, and 13-14 free throws), added to the senior All-American's early season momentum, which began with Augusta's November 5th exhibition game at Wichita State, and then gained steam during last weekend's pair of regular season opening wins at Barton College.

Sherrill recently received the season's first Peach Belt Conference Player of the Week award after he scored 46 points in the team's first two games. In the post game interview, he talked about the excitement about the team on campus that was originally fueled by the preseason performance at Wichita State. He thanked the many fans who turned out for the first chance to see the Jaguars, and he explained how the players' desire to play well in front of the big crowd may have negatively affected the team's shooting early in the game:



Here's the link to the background story about Sherrill's biggest fan.


While Augusta's defense was solid throughout the game, the Jags' offense started slowly and actually never got going, except for that of Sherrill, and to some extent 6'8" sophomore Deane Williams. Williams's contributions were especially important during a  key first half stretch. Down 20-16 with 7:44 remaining before halftime, the 6'8" forward scored 9 straight points, giving the Jags a lead for the first time at 25-22. Sherril punctuated the spurt with a three to give Augusta a 6 point advantage before taking a 30-26 cushion into intermission. The Jags never trailed again.

Williams continued his early season productivity with 13 points and 12 rebounds, marking his second double-double in the team's first three games. He is averaging 13 points and 11 rebounds this season to go with Sherrill's scoring average of 27 points per game.

Saturday at 4:00 P.M. the Jags host West Georgia, which was ranked #22 in the nation in the same poll that ranked Augusta #18. Hopefully Jaguar fans will be inspired again to come support their undefeated team while taking advantage of the opportunity to see what may be two of the country's best division II teams.