Augusta Jaguars Fall to North Georgia 71-56 in Season Finale | 2025-26 Men’s Basketball Recap

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Augusta University men’s basketball team concluded its 2025-26 season with a 71-56 loss to North Georgia on Wednesday night.

North Georgia (19-6, 13-6 Peach Belt) secured the victory through efficient shooting and a strong second-half performance, while Augusta finished the year with an overall record of 12-18 and a 7-13 mark in conference play.

The Jaguars demonstrated early competitiveness. Elías Pálsson contributed with a tip-in and a jumper in the opening minutes, and Daniel Daramola added two baskets from the paint to keep the score close. Despite four ties in the first half, North Georgia managed to create separation with a 9-0 run midway through the period. Augusta narrowed the gap to six points late in the half with a layup by Tobias Prall and a free throw from Pálsson, but the Nighthawks closed out the half with a late basket, taking a 33-24 lead into the break.

At the start of the second half, Daramola converted two free throws, and Matias Zanotto added a jumper, reducing the deficit to seven points. However, North Georgia responded with consecutive interior baskets and free throws, extending their lead back into double digits. The Nighthawks shot 58.8 percent in the second half and were 16-for-19 at the free-throw line during the final 20 minutes, maintaining control of the game.

Augusta continued to fight. Zanotto hit a three-pointer midway through the second half, bringing the Jaguars within 11 points, and Pálsson added a tip-in in the closing minute. However, North Georgia consistently answered each push from Augusta to secure the 71-56 result.

Daramola led Augusta with 14 points, shooting 5-of-9 from the field, and also contributed five assists and two steals. Pálsson followed with 12 points and a team-high five rebounds. Zanotto and Charlie McBeath each finished with seven points, while Camryn Pacheco added five points and three assists.

North Georgia had four players score in double figures, led by AJ White and Colin Turner with 14 points apiece. Jameel Rideout added 13 points, and Chase Champion finished with 12.

The season also marked a significant milestone for Augusta head coach Dip Metress, who recorded the 600th win of his career earlier in the year.

Augusta will graduate one senior, Evan Joyner, and returns 12 underclassmen and eight freshmen as they look ahead to the 2026-27 season.