PEMBROKE, N.C. - Ephraim Tshimanga recorded a double-double of 12 points and 10 assists, but the No. 25 UNC Pembroke Braves were able to pull away midway through the second half to defeat the University of North Georgia men's basketball team Saturday afternoon, 86-77.

After a De'Undra Singleton layup with 15:46 left in the second half cut the UNCP lead down to eight, the Braves went on a run to stretch the lead to 19 with just over eight minutes to play. The Nighthawks cut the lead down to as few as seven with four minutes left, but UNC Pembroke held on down the stretch to earn their ninth win of the year.

NOTES
- Shawn Hopkins led four Nighthawks in double figures with 17 points, followed by Zez Steeple's 13 points. Zach Cottrell finished the game one board shy of a double-double with 11 points and nine rebounds.

- UNCP's James Murray-Boyles and Cam Hamilton each finished with 17 points to lead the Braves.

- UNG outshot the Braves from the floor, but UNC Pembroke took 18 more shots in the contest.

NEXT UP
The Nighthawks will host Columbus State Wednesday night in the UNG Convocation Center as part of the NCAA Division II Showcase. Tip time is scheduled for just after 7:30 p.m.