DAHLONEGA | The University of North Georgia women's basketball team battled and pulled away in the final minute to take down Francis Marion (6-12, 3-6 Peach Belt), 76-71, Monday afternoon at Memorial Hall. The win advances UNG to 14-4 and 6-3 in conference play.
 
"It was hard until the very last minute," UNG head coach Buffie Burson said. "We didn't make it easy on ourselves but Francis Marion played a really good game."
 
Neither team could make a long run in the game, with the score remaining within two possessions until the 7:45 mark in the second half when North Georgia took a seven point lead, 57-50, on a Kelsey Hutchins three-pointer.
 
The Patriots pulled within a bucket in the final minute on Cy'erra Mills fast break layup, making the score 73-71, however Francis Marion would not score in the final 44 seconds as North Georgia took the victory.
 
Stephanie Huffman led the game in scoring with 29 points, while Hutchins posted her fifth double-double of the season putting up 18 points and pulling down 13 rebounds.
 
The Nighthawks finally receive a breather before heading back into PBC action on Saturday, when UNG hosts Clayton State. Tipoff for the women's game is set for 1:30 p.m., and will feature a ceremony dedicating the Memorial Hall court in honor of North Georgia Hall of Fame coach Bill Ensley.