Members of the Augusta community packed the seats of Christenberry Fieldhouse to watch the Augusta University Jaguars take on the Northwest Missouri State Bearcats for the NCAA Division II Basketball National Championship on Saturday, March 26.
The doors of Christenberry Fieldhouse opened at 2:30 p.m. as Augusta University students, staff, alumni, and Augusta residents gathered together to cheer on the Augusta Jaguars.
The game, which was televised on CBS, was projected on a large screen.
Dominique Thompkins, an Augusta University senior and Information Technology major, came out to support the team.
“I was here when we won Regionals,” Thompkins said. “So, I wanted to come out again to support my school and the Jaguars.”
The admission for the watch party was free as fans were treated to pizza and soft drinks as well as chicken wings and fries. A DJ was also enlisted to help upkeep the party mood.
Augusta University students were also recruited to participate in games such as “Simon Says” and “Musical Chairs” at halftime of the championship.
ShaRon Dukes, the interim director of Augusta University Student Life and Engagement, was one of organizers for the event and spoke on the planning.
“We had a meeting called on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and pulled as many people together to brainstorm what we could do and everything started rolling,” she said.
Representatives from CBS were also present to livestream the Jaguar fans to use in the live broadcast of the National Championship, as well as photographers and a member of News Channel 6 WJBF.
“It was a surprise to us but it was a good surprise,” Dukes said.
The energy was high as the Jaguars jumped out to an early lead in the game, but a huge run by the Bearcats would temper the crowd as Northwest Missouri State would jump out to an 18-point lead.
A ferocious comeback from Augusta University, however, would reignite the Jaguar faithful as the Jaguars would cut the deficit down to one point with two and a half minutes remaining.
Augusta University would fall short, losing 67-58 to the Bearcats in what would be Northwest Missouri State’s third straight championship and fourth championship in five years.
Gary Nipple, an Augusta University alumni, said he enjoyed the experience.
“The experience was great. I t’s not everyday that you’re playing for the National Championship. Unfortunately we came up short, but I’m proud of the guys and the season they had.”
