AUGUSTA, Ga – The Augusta men’s basketball team extended their winning streak to eight games with a thrilling 79-75 come-from-behind win over No. 19 Columbus State on Saturday afternoon. The victory improves Augusta to 8-4 overall and 2-0 in Peach Belt Conference play, while handing Columbus State just their second loss of the season, dropping them to 10-2 and 1-1 in conference action.

Augusta (8-4, 2-0 Peach Belt)
FG% 51.1
3PT% 38.9
FT% 82.8

Columbus State (10-2, 1-1 Peach Belt)
FG% 45.1
3PT% 42.1
FT% 84.0

The final five minutes of the game showcased Augusta’s grit and composure. After trailing 71-65 with just over five minutes remaining, Demitri Gardner sparked a comeback with a pair of free throws at the 4:13 mark, cutting the deficit to four. Max Amadasun followed with a clutch three-pointer, narrowing Columbus State’s lead to 73-70 with 3:17 left.

John St. Germain III then drove into the paint for a layup, bringing Augusta within one at 73-72 with 2:40 on the clock. Moments later, Luis Nonfon capitalized on an offensive rebound with a go-ahead layup, giving the Jaguars a 74-73 lead at the 2:04 mark. Nonfon added a free throw to push the lead to two.

With the game tied at 75 after a Columbus State jumper, St. Germain III delivered again, hitting a layup with 30 seconds left to put Augusta ahead 77-75. Gardner sealed the victory by stealing the ball with six seconds remaining and converting two clutch free throws with two seconds left, giving the Jaguars a four-point lead. Max Amadasun’s defensive rebound on Columbus State’s final three-point attempt secured the win.

Gardner led all scorers with 28 points, shooting 9-15 from the field and a perfect 9-9 from the free-throw line. He also added three rebounds and two steals, including the critical takeaway in the final seconds. Amadasun contributed a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds, while St. Germain III added 12 points, five assists, and the decisive layup. Nonfon and Elias Palsson chipped in with key contributions down the stretch.

Next Up: The Jaguars will hit the road for their next game on Wednesday, January 8, when they face Clayton State University in Morrow, GA. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Augusta will then travel to Aiken, SC, for a rivalry matchup against USC Aiken on Saturday, January 11, at 3:30 p.m

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AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new assistant district attorney for the Augusta Judicial Circuit was sworn in on Friday, according to Augusta District Attorney Jared Williams.

On Nov. 26, the Augusta Commission approved the 2025 Budget with approximately $1.1 million in additional funding for the District Attorney’s Office.

“As a result of this community investment in law enforcement, one of the premier prosecutors in the state of Georgia will now serve our local community,” said Williams.

Williams says Linda Dunikoski, formerly of the Cobb and Fulton DA’s Offices was sworn in on Friday.

Dunikoski will also serve in leadership as Chief of Appeals and Director of Attorney Development, according to a press release.

Dunikoski served as lead prosecutor in the case of the three men who killed Ahmaud Arbery, a local son of Burke County who was murdered while jogging in 2020.

Williams says Dunikoski will represent Richmond and Burke County citizens in the highest courts, train local prosecutors and assist in jury trials involving serious violent felonies.

“We are grateful to have the experience, talent, and leadership of a prosecutor like Mrs. Dunikoski,” said Williams after her swearing. “Recruiting her to serve the citizens of our community would not have been possible without the investment our Commission and city leadership made. This is just the beginning of our renewed efforts to make the Augusta Judicial Circuit the safest place to live, work, and raise a family.”

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