The Jacksonville Giants improve to 21-1 on the season following a, 133-108, route over the St. Augustine Glory. Monday mornings victory was witnessed by a crowd of local students for school field trip day held at the UNF Arena. School field trip day has become a staple in the Giants organization over the last five seasons.
“As an organization we feel that it’s very important to give back to our community and allow our local students to witness a great basketball game, while also enjoying the game day experience,” said Giants Vice President Pamela Masters Smith.
The young fans in attendance showed excitement throughout the game and helped cheer on the Giants team. The young students were also able to partake in a pre-game autograph session with the Giants players, mascots, and coaches. Games with the chance to win prizes was a common occurrence during Mondays game. Although nobody won the half court shot, many other students and teachers went home with other prizes.
“It was a great day for the kids,” said Giants head coach Jerry Williams.
Throughout the first half the students witnessed elite play from the ABA’s best. Former Harlem Globetrotter, Elijah Smith got things going with powerful slam dunks which created loud and encouraging cheers from the local fans. MR. Biggs continued to excite the fans by throwing Giants merchandise into the crowd and running around the arena to sign autographs.
Jacksonville jumped out to an impressive 42-28 first quarter lead and never looked back. Elijah “Superman” Smith had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. The physical play from the veteran Smith created more opportunities for the Giants. Smith and Calvin Warner continued with the strong inside play which opened up the explosive outside shooting.
The Giants connected on 20 three pointers on the day. Brent Williams led the team with 31 points and landed nine three pointers. Miguel Paul finished with 22 points and converted six three pointers. The three point clinic showed Giants fans what it takes to be an elite ABA player.
Jacksonville took a 72-55 lead into halftime and never lost control. Former NBA D League star Aaron Bowen contributed with 18 points. Bowen has become an integral part of the Giants team this season and is expected to be a main contributor during the ABA Tournament. Clarence Tillman added 12 points to round out the leading scorers for Jacksonville.
Brown and Brown Insurance Giants vs Glory Game Box
Star of the Game: Brent Williams led the Giants with 31 points and nine three pointers on the day. Williams got the energy going at UNF in front of the large crowd.
Scoring Leaders: Williams 31, Paul 22, Bowen 18, Smith 12, Tillman 12
Turning Point: Williams and Miguel Paul’s multiple three pointers, before halftime, put the Glory in a double digit deficit. St. Augustine was unable to recover from the second quarter deficit.
On Defense: Elijah Smith led the charge with 10 rebounds, helping the Giants out rebound St.Augustine 48-37. Paul added a team high five steals.