COLUMBUS, Ga. | The University of North Georgia men's basketball team could never quite rebound from a first half run that put Columbus State University (12-2, 6-1 Peach Belt) up by a double digit margin, with the Cougars going on to win, 78-65. The Nighthawks fall to 11-3 on the season and 5-2 in conference action.
 
Both teams were quick to score in the opening minutes and North Georgia took its only lead of the game, 12-11, at the 16:19 mark in the first half off an Ebo Smith three-pointer. The Cougars retook the lead just seconds later and never looked back, leading by as much as 20 at one point in the second half.
 
Kenney Funderburk was the top scorer for CSU with 21 points on the night, while Smith and T.J. Williams paced the Nighthawks with 12 points each.
 
North Georgia returns to the friendly confines of Memorial Hall on Saturday, hosting UNC Pembroke. Tipoff for the men's game is slated for 3:30 p.m.