DAHLONEGA - Despite leading by nine with 2:38 left, the University of North Georgia women's basketball team fell in an aggressive and heartbreaking match-up against Columbus State, dropping a game that ended an 11-game winning streak, 66-63, Wednesday in Memorial Hall.
 
Freshman Julianne Sutton had the best game of her young career with an all-time career high of 16 points to lead the Nighthawks. This loss puts the Nighthawks at 17-3 overall and 12-2 in the Peach Belt Conference.
 
UNG and CSU fought back and forth throughout the first half. The Nighthawks led through the first quarter, 21-19, but after a tight second half trailed, 33-32. 
 
Abbie Franklin responded at the top of the fourth quarter with a three-pointer to close the gap by just two points. Senior Julie McKie came out aggressively for her team with three back-to-back layups, reclaiming the lead for North Georgia, 57-51, with six minutes left.
 
Mackenzie Darrah forced a turnover, driving to the basket to tack on two more points for the Nighthawks. UNG continued to pull away in the last three minutes, forcing Columbus State to respond with a three-pointer and two layups to narrow the gap by two points.
 
Two free throws allowed Columbus State to tie the game, 63-63, with less than a minute on the clock before pulling away for the three-point win.
 
NOTES
-Vanessa Agrusa finished in double-figures with 11 points.
 
-Three Columbus State players finished in double figures: Tatiana Wayne (19), Machala Raymonville (19), and Jasmine Herndon (17).
 
- North Georgia committed 21 turnovers in the contest.
 
NEXT UP
The University of North Georgia will continue  Peach Belt Conference play against USC Aiken Saturday, February 3 at 1:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall. The game will serve as part of Basketball Alumni Weekend.