Dip Metress admits it wasn't a dazzling performance. Of course, games between rivals Augusta State and Paine doesn't always bring out the best offense.
In a game of attrition, the Jaguars escaped with a 56-50 overtime victory over the Lions Monday night in The City Classic at Christenberry Fieldhouse.
"It was not beautiful basketball," first-year Augusta State coach Metress said. "I just told our guys we just needed a gut-check."
Augusta State and Paine each shot 31 percent from the floor. Nate Lewis and Justin Durham each scored 10 as the Lions fell to 0-4.
Karim Telfer posted 17 points, while Cameron Tovey added 13 for the Jaguars who improved to 4-2. Augusta State took advantage of its free-throw opportunities, going 31-of-45 from the foul line. Paine went 4-for-10.
"We've been trying to keep our opponents off the free-throw line," said Lions coach Ron Spry, whose previous three opponents shot 94 free throws. "My concern was with us trying to stay within striking distance."
Paine trailed at 35-23 with 11 minutes remaining, but the game turned after Metress picked up a technical foul.
The Lions scored four straight and whittled away at the deficit, holding the Jaguars to five points the final 11 minutes. Paine tied the game with 1:38 to go on a Daniel Lomax layup.
The Lions had a chance to win it in regulation. Lewis attempted to drive to the basket for the winning shot, but slipped to the floor with the ball. Turnover.
Augusta State got the ball with 5.2 seconds left, and Telfer threw a pass to a teammate at midcourt. Lamario Latson swooped in for the steal, but missed a 17-foot leaner off the rim as time expired.
In overtime, Augusta State built a four-point lead as Paine missed several opportunities. Latson missed a layup and Lewis missed two free-throw attempts the final two minutes.
Jason Mills, Tovey and Telfer each made two free throws as the Jaguars built an insurmountable 50-42 advantage.
"It was important for us," Metress said, "to make free throws down the stretch."
Augusta State opened the game going 3-for-18 from the field in the first half with one assist and 12 turnovers.
Amazingly, the Jaguars were tied at halftime.
The Lions scored just two field goals the first five minutes after halftime and found themselves in a hole.
Chris Jackson knocked down a short jumper in the lane before the Jaguars ran off six straight points to build a 12-point lead.
Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645 or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.
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