The Jacksonville Giants advanced in the ABA Florida Division Play In Tournament with an amazing victory on Saturday night. The Giants defeated the St. Augustine Glory, 120-115, in a thrilling matchup. The Giants have won 15 games in a row and improve to 15-1 on the season. 

“Great win and good way to start our playoff campaign back to being national champions,” said Giants head coach Jerrod Tucker. “We just have to play better on both sides of the ball.”

The turning point of the game happened with less than a minute to go. With 50 seconds remaining, leading 112-109, the Jacksonville Giants needed a big play. Veteran Forward Rob Hornsby landed a clutch three point shot to put the Giants up 116-109. Hornsby’s three pointer was the turning point in a dynamic ABA play in game that featured two of the Leagues top teams.

Jacksonville went back and forth with St. Augustine. The game had multiple lead changes and provided much excitement in the downtown Ketterlinus Gymnasium, located in the heart of downtown St. Augustine, the nations oldest city. The Glory was led by strong play from Christian Terrell. Terrell never left the floor and scored 45 points for St. Augustine. Jacksonville was able to find ways to contain Terrell, especially later in the game. Jacksonville utilized several different defensive styles to slow down the Glory, helping secure the victory. 

Offensively, Jacksonville was able to land clutch shots when needed. Forward Brandon Davis had 22 points in the win. 21 of those points came from three point baskets, as Davis landed seven threes. The three pointers were very crucial in the Giants 5-point win. 

Multiple time ABA MVP Maurice Mickens complimented Davis with some big time scoring of his own. Mickens led the Giants with 35 points and also landed many crucial shots in the win. Veterans Bernard Nugent, Elijah Smith, and Hornsby all helped contributed, scoring in double figures on the night. 

Jacksonville will now turn their attention to next weeks second round play in game as they will play the winner of the Palm Beach Stampede vs Tampa Bay game. The second ABA Florida Division Tournament game will be played at Christ the King Catholic School on March 26th at 6pm. For more information on the ABA Tournament please check out www.jacksonvillegiants.com