Every good sequel needs a subtitle. After USC Aiken defeated Augusta State last week, a brief melee occurred after some Pacers fans stormed the court with Jaguar starters Ben Madgen and Greg Hire still on the floor (and whether you want to believe it or not, it did get a little crazy for a few minutes before both teams and USCA personnel helped break everything up). With this game returning to Augusta, I think it should simply be labeled: "ASU vs. USCA, Part II: There Will Be Blood(Worth).
In his Letter to the Editor in Sunday's paper, ASU president Bill Bloodworth noted a couple of things: there will be more security for tonight's game between the Pacers and Jaguars and any fan who crosses the line will be tossed. While ASU fans are requested to wear all black for the Blackout (USC Aiken asks its fans to wear cardinal or red), the school is asking for some civility to go along with the expected excitement. A letter from athletic director and interim women's basketball coach Clint Bryant and men's basketball coach Dip Metress to the Jaguar Nation states for their fans to "Root for the Jaguars, but not embarass the Jaguars."
It only takes a few fans to make for an unpleasant experience. Here's hoping whichever set of fans leaves happy, the court is secure and everyone remember it's just a game (a regular season game at that).
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GAMES THAT ROCK: Let's forget about last week's melee and remember the game itself. Sterling Council's clutch jumper gave USC Aiken one of its three biggest wins in the rivalry since 2000.
Here are two more for Pacer fans:
USCA 74, ASU 73 (Jan. 19, 2000): Michael Tyler throws in a 3/4-court shot at the buzzer to send the game into OT in Augusta. Then, after Augusta State's Mike Mills drilled the go-ahead 3-pointer with five seconds left, Corey Faggins swishes a 16-foot leaner at the buzzer.
USCA 78, ASU 74 (Jan. 19, 2009): Chris Commons' hook shot in the lane in the final minute helped the Pacers pull out a key win.
Three for ASU fans:
ASU 65, USCA 64 (March 8, 2009): Just 16 hours after surviving a quadruple-overtime thriller against Armstrong Atlantic State in the PBC Tourney semifinals, USC Aiken gave Augusta State everything it had in the championship game. The Jaguars survived two late misses by the Pacers, and the image of Ben Madgen taking a long rebound in the closing seconds and circling away from the basket to midcourt lives on forever.
ASU 85, USCA 57 (March 17, 2009): Madgen and Garret Siler each scored 25 in Division II Tournament Sweet Sixteen contest.
ASU 59, USCA 57 (Feb. 20, 2006): Fighting for a spot in the Division II Tournament (which it ultimately did not get), Augusta State survived two game-tying layup attempts in the waning moments by the Pacers.
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STOP HUNGER NOW: If you plan to attend tonight's doubleheader at Christenberry Fieldhouse, the Stop Hunger Now organization is seeking donations. Money raised will go to help children in Haiti. Donate $10 or more and receive a coupon for free popcorn at the concession stand.
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PLAYLIST: Throwing out a few songs for tonight's game(s):
-"Back in Black" by AC/DC: What better song for a Blackout?
-"Red, Red Wine" by Neil Diamond: Couldn't think of many songs to go with the Pacers' color scheme, but this song isn't a bad one (unless you choose the UB40 version).
-"Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye.
-"Mama Said Knock You Out" by L.L. Cool J.
-"Blitzkrieg Bop" by the Ramones and "Ballroom Blitz" by Sweet: In case any skirmishes break out after the game.
-"Stranges in the Night" by Frank Sinatra: "Strangers in the Night, exchanging glances, wondering in the night, what were the chances...."
-"Let's Groove" by Earth, Wind & Fire
And finally:
-"Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor
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FRIENDLY REMINDER: If you can't make it to tonight's game, check augustachronicle.com for a live blog of the men's and women's contest.
