PEMBROKE, N.C. - Deana Blankinship led all scorers with 17 points as the No. 23 University of North Georgia women's basketball team defeated UNC Pembroke, 70-57, Sunday afternoon at UNCP's Lumbee Bank Court. The Nighthawks clinch a top four seed in the Peach Belt tournament with the win.

The Nighthawks and Braves went back-and-forth in the first half. Leading by two with three seconds left, Abbie Franklin nailed a jumper from the corner to give the Nighthawks a 32-28 lead headed to the break.

The third quarter was where UNG pulled away, outscoring UNCP, 24-12, in the period behind a six-point quarter for Blankinship. The Nighthawks held on in the fourth to earn the PBC win.

Franklin finished with 13 points, while Amber Skidgel added 11. UNCP's Nyla Allen had a double-double with a team-high 16 points and 12 rebounds.

NOTES
- UNG shot 25-of-53 from the field, including 9-of-17 from three-point range.

- The Nighthawks outrebounded the Braves, 43-37, despite being doubled up by UNCP on the offensive glass.

- North Georgia now has a 2.5 game lead over Lander for first place in the conference with four games to play. Lander has five games left.

NEXT UP
UNG will take on Clayton State at home on Wednesday, February 14. The final game in Memorial Hall will also serve as Spirit Night. Tip off is set for 5:30 p.m.