DAHLONEGA | On a day honoring legendary University of North Georgia basketball coach and athletic director Bill Ensley, the UNG women's basketball team used a thrilling second half to come from behind and defeat Clayton State (12-7, 6-4 Peach Belt), 80-72, Saturday afternoon at Memorial Hall. The victory advances the Nighthawks to 15-4 and now sole possession of second place in the PBC western division at 7-3.
 
UNG trailed by 12 half way through the first period, but the Nighthawks battled back to pull within five points at the break. The Lakers would extend their lead back to 11 in the opening minutes of the second half, but once again North Georgia chipped their way back to tie the game, 42-42, at the 12:53 mark.
 
Burson's squad shot 56 percent from the field and the same mark from beyond the perimeter in the second half, after shooting below 30 percent in the first 20 minutes of play.
 
North Georgia had three players in double digit scoring on the day with Stephanie Huffman leading the way with 25 including a late stretch with 10 consecutive. Cierra Jackson added 20 points, while Kelsey Hutchins posted 11 in the game. Clayton State's Yishica Sims equaled Huffman's mark of 25 points to lead the Laker effort.
 
The Nighthawks will hit the road on Wednesday to take on Montevallo. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CST.