With each Augusta State basket, the chants grew louder. "A-S-U" was the roar coming from the fans at Christenberry Fieldhouse on Tuesday night.

Who could blame them? With an 89-72 victory over Clayton State in the South Atlantic Regional championship game, the Jaguars earned their first trip to the national Division II basketball tournament next week in Springfield, Mass.

When the game ended, the Augusta State pep band, cheerleaders and students rushed the floor to celebrate.

The party was just beginning.

Augusta State got its championship trophy, and the "A-S-U" chants began again.

Then the Jaguars gathered at one end of the court to cut down the net. Coach Dip Metress was the first, followed by his players.

The celebration moved to the other end of the floor and various Augusta State supporters, including school President William Bloodworth, took turns cutting the net.

"This is the No. 1 win in my life," said Mr. Metress, who saw his team improve to 25-6 overall. "We're going to enjoy this one tonight."

Augusta State's Tyrekus "A.J." Bowman, who led with 27 points, was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.