Augusta University women upset No. 8, advance to Peach Belt championship

The Jaguars defeated Columbus State 82-71 to reach the conference title game.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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The Augusta University women's basketball team upset No. 8 Columbus State 82-71 on Saturday to advance to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship game on Sunday. Augusta led by 20 at halftime, but Columbus State rallied to cut the deficit to just two points by the end of the third quarter. The Jaguars regained control in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory at the free throw line.

Why it matters

Augusta's upset victory over the eighth-ranked team in the country puts them one win away from an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. The Jaguars have already defeated their championship game opponent, Georgia College & State University, twice during the regular season.

The details

Augusta (20-9) was led by Elyse Autrey's 21 points and a perfect 3-for-3 shooting performance from three-point range. Sierra Burns provided a big spark off the bench with 17 points, while Quinasia Abercrombie added 16 points and five steals. Columbus State (25-4, 18-2 Peach Belt) was paced by Letiya Reeves with 21 points.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
  • The Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship game will be held on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

The players

Augusta University

The women's basketball team from Augusta University, a public research university in Augusta, Georgia.

Columbus State

The women's basketball team from Columbus State University, a public university in Columbus, Georgia.

Elyse Autrey

A player for the Augusta University women's basketball team who scored 21 points and shot 3-for-3 from three-point range in the upset victory.

Sierra Burns

A player for the Augusta University women's basketball team who came off the bench to score 17 points.

Quinasia Abercrombie

A player for the Augusta University women's basketball team who scored 16 points and had 5 steals.

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What’s next

The winner of the Peach Belt Conference Tournament championship game on Sunday, March 8, 2026 will earn the conference's automatic berth to the NCAA Southeast Regional.

The takeaway

Augusta University's upset victory over the eighth-ranked Columbus State Cougars puts them one win away from an automatic NCAA Tournament berth, proving they can compete with the top teams in the Peach Belt Conference.