AMERICUS, Ga. | The University of North Georgia women's basketball team used a strong first half to take down Georgia Southwestern, 77-65, Wednesday evening at the Storm Dome in Americus. The Nighthawks advance to 20-4 and 12-4 in the Peach Belt Western Division, holding a four-game lead now over third-place Clayton State with four games to play.
 
UNG led by as many as 20 points twice in the second half, the latest being at the 8:26 mark. The Hurricanes pulled within two possessions with less than five minutes to play, however the Nighthawks would pull away over the final four minutes of play to secure victory number 20.
 
Both teams shot 45 percent from the field on the night, but the difference lied in North Georgia's strong performance from the perimeter (38%) and the charity stripe (84%).
 
Stephanie Huffman finished with 23 points to lead the Nighthawks, with Kelsey Hutchins right behind her at 22 points on the night. Hutchins and Cierra Jackson lead the team on the boards with six rebounds each.
 
The Nighthawks continue their three-game road swing this Saturday, traveling to Milledgeville to take on Georgia College. Tipoff for the women's game is set for 1:30 p.m.