DAHLONEGA | The University of North Georgia men's basketball team never gave up in Wednesday evening's Spirit Night game against rival-Young Harris and nearly pulled off an improbable come back but just ran out of time, falling 88-83. The Nighthawks fall to 13-7 and 7-6 in Peach Belt play on the year.
 
The Mountain Lions (7-12, 3-10 PBC) were powered by their starting five, with all but 10 points coming from the starting lineup with the other 10 points coming from the sixth man, Ben Waterhouse. Isaiah Johnson and Kevin Altidor each had career nights for YHC with 28 and 25 points respectively, each coming just one rebound short of a double-double.
 
Both teams had a good night from the floor with Young Harris shooting 50 percent on the night, including a 55 percent mark in the first half. North Georgia shot 53 percent from the field in the second half to finish at 45 percent on the game.

The Nighthawks climbed to within four points three different times, the last coming at 65-61 on two Shaquan Cantrell free throws with 7:13 to play. However, the Mountain Lions had the answer again as they pushed their advantage back to 11 points (73-62) after a three-pointer with 5:03 remaining.

North Georgia got within three points (86-83) after a Smith layup with 11 seconds left.

Cantrell led the way for the Nighthawks with 19 points and nine rebounds on the night, both team-highs.

The Nighthawks return to action on Saturday hosting Montevallo. Tipoff for the UNG Athletics Hall Of Fame Day matchup is set for 3:30 p.m.