DAHLONEGA | T.J. Williams netted a career-high 26 points, but the University of North Georgia men's basketball team's late rally came up just short as the Nighthawks fell 76-74 to Clayton State in Peach Belt Conference action on Saturday afternoon in UNG's Memorial Hall.

Juan Rivas pitched in 14 points and 11 rebounds to register his fifth consecutive double-double.

With the Nighthawks leading by nine (56-47) with 13:01 to play, Clayton State Clayton State would control of the game with a 20-0 run over the next 5:17 to flip the script and retake the lead at 67-56 at the 7:44 mark.
 
That would not deter the Nighthawks, however, as they came right back with a 10-1 run to cut it to 68-67 at the 4:19 mark.

A free throw by Williams evened the score at 74 apiece with 27 seconds remaining, but a driving layup by Alfonso Davis with six seconds left was the difference.  Sean Brennan's baseline jumper bounced off the rim as time expired.  
 
North Georgia slides to 4-11, 2-4 PBC while Clayton State improves to 8-5 and an even 3-3 in conference play.

NOTES
- Williams made his first 15 free throw attempts and connected on an eventual career-high 16-of-17 attempts from the charity stripe.
 
- Michael Varrichione finished with six points eight rebounds and three blocks and Tanner Plemmons chipped in with nine points, all coming from behind the 3-point line.

- Davis led three Lakers in double figures with a double-double of 24 points and 14 rebounds. Saiquan Terry and Dantez Bennamon added 15 and 10 respectively.
 
NEXT
North Georgia will return to action on Wednesday, Jan. 13 when the Nighthawks entertain Columbus State at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.