Sports stories of the year: Pandemic touched everything

Games played in empty gyms (and stadia) became the norm in 2020, as the novel coronavirus pandemic made for major changes in sports. (photo by Viraj Bulla)

By Micah Weathers |
Sports contributor

The year 2020 pushed through the tough defender of COVID-19 with its abbreviated slate of sports competitions in front of usually very small audiences, or none at all.

AU men’s basketball team moves into the top-20 of NABC Division II poll

Sophomore Lee Flenor (3) has been a big spark for the Jaguars in their first two games with a 9.5-point average, helping AU to a No. 16 ranking. (photo by Viraj Bulla)

By Carlos Rodriguez |
Sports editor

The Augusta University men’s basketball team received the No. 16 ranking in the latest National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division II poll this week, moving up seven spots from their previous ranking of 23rd.

Arnold, Crawford, Lucas-White lead Jags past Emmanuel

Guard Miguel Arnold (5) nails a three-pointer en route to a 25-point night for the Jaguars in the win over the Emmanuel Lions. (staff photo)

By Justin Brosemer |
Sports writer

The Augusta University men’s basketball team earned a 97-83 victory against Emmanuel College on Saturday, Dec. 12, at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

The Sports Squad: Season 3, Episode 6

Listen to the Sports Squad (<–Click Here)

Bell Ringer Sports Editor Carlos Rodriguez discusses Augusta University men’s basketball on this edition of The Sports Squad. Joining Rodriguez are Chad Cook, former Jaguar hoops player and color commentator of AU basketball telecasts, and David Bulla, AU Department of Communication chair and former high school and college basketball coach. They analyze the Jaguars’ 87-72 win over Lander University in the season opener. The Sports Squad is a production of Bell Ringer-Phoenix Media. The producer is Lauren Salsman. The assistant producer is Hannah D’Arco.

Second-half comeback lifts AU over Lander in season opener

Darren Lucas-White (11) goes up for two of is 22 points as AU rallied from 15 down at the half to win by 15 against Lander. (photo by Viraj Bulla)

By Carlos Rodriguez |
Sports editor

The Augusta University men’s basketball team successfully completed a comeback in the second half to defeat Lander University 87-72 on Wednesday night, Dec. 2, at Christenberry Fieldhouse in the season-opener for both teams. The game had no spectators, giving it a practice-like atmosphere.

AU men’s basketball set to take on Lander in season opener

Tyshaun Crawford, the 7-foot-1 center, goes in for a dunk last season, when he averaged 13.6 points and 9.2 rebounds a game for the 21-8 Jaguars. (photo by Carlos Rodriguez)

By Carlos Rodriguez |
Sports editor

The Augusta University men’s basketball team will start off the 2020-21 season on Wednesday, Dec. 2, against Lander University at Christenberry Fieldhouse with the tipoff at 6 p.m.

The Sports Squad: Season 3, Episode 5

The Sports Squad: S3, E5 (<–Click here)

Join Bell Ringer Sports Editor Carlos Rodriguez as he talks AU sports with Jaelyn Autman and Chad Cook. Autman is a junior communication major, and Cook is the color commentator on SUVtv’s telecast of Jaguar basketball. They discuss the Peach Belt Conference cross-country championships, as well as basketball.

Jaguar men’s basketball team holds televised practice

Darren Lucas-White goes up for layup as Jack Johnson (L) defends during Augusta’s televised basketball practice Thursday. Coach Dip Metress (in yellow shirt) watches from beyond the three-point line. (photo by Justin Brosemer)

By Justin Brosemer |
Sports writer

Coach Dip Metress and the Augusta University men’s basketball team held a practice that was televised by SUVtv on Thursday, Nov. 5.

Peach Belt Conference to play 16-game schedule for 2020-21 basketball season

Senior Troy Cracknell (21) is a returning sharpshooter for the Augusta men’s basketball team; he and his teammates will play 16 regular-season games. (photo by Carlos Rodriguez)

By Carlos Rodriguez |
Sports editor

The Peach Belt Conference will play a 16-game schedule for the upcoming basketball season, the league announced on Oct. 29.

AU alumnus Monteiro shines in professional debut

Rafael Monteiro goes up for two of his 20 points in his professional basketball debut. (photo by Ricardo Bufolin, special to the Bell Ringer)

By Carlos Rodriguez |
Sports editor

Augusta University alumnus Rafael Monteiro made his professional basketball debut on Sunday, Oct. 4, for the E.C. Pinheiros São Paulo basketball team. Despite suffering a 78-68 loss to rival São Paulo FC, Monteiro had an all-around dominant performance, scoring a team-high 20 points, grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out four assists.