Wednesday January 25, 2012

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Augusta State freshman D’Angelo Boyce and senior Tye Beal drained clutch free throws in the final minute Wednesday night to clinch a 76-72 victory over Peach Belt Conference foe UNC Pembroke in Christenberry Fieldhouse.

The win moved the Jaguars (12-7 overall, 8-3 PBC) past UNCP and into second place in the East Division behind USC Aiken. It also marked ASU’s 20th straight victory in the series with the Braves (12-7, 6-3). The victory was also the fourth straight for the Jags, who have won seven of their last eight

The Braves built an early 13-5 lead as the Jags endured a scoreless stretch of over five minutes. But ASU battled back, reclaiming the lead with 8:56 to go on a jumper by Harold Doby and embarking on a 10-0 run highlighted by Devon Wright-Nelson’s 3-pointer and seven made free throws by the Jags to take a 35-26 lead into halftime.

ASU pushed its lead to double-digits right out the gate in the second half, increasing it to as many as 14 on two more free throws, this time from Devonte Thomas. But the Braves began to chip away at the lead, cutting it to four with 44 seconds remaining on Marcus Heath’s jumper.

The game wasn’t put away until the Braves fouled Beal, who calmly stepped to the line and swished two to make the score 74-69 with 11 seconds left.

ASU’s final tally of 76 was the most points the Jags have scored since a 92-55 win on December 14 at Flagler.

“Free throws helped us win the game,” said ASU head coach Dip Metress. “We’re definitely pleased to go 6-1 down the stretch.”