DAHLONEGA - In the final home game of the regular season, the University of North Georgia men's basketball team struggled to handle Lander as they closed out the Nighthawks with a 101-87 win.

The Lander squad was hot from behind the perimeter with an even 50 percent shooting margin. The Bearcats also took advantage of the 17 Nighthawk turnovers and converted those into 23 points.
 
Despite trailing by 21 late in the second half, UNG never stopped fighting. Quincy Poitier had a nice put-back slam to clean up a missed shot towards the end of the half.

NOTES
- With the loss, the Nighthawks have been mathematically eliminated for the race for the final spot of the Peach Belt tournament next week. With Columbus State's win Wednesday night, the Cougars clinched the final spot.

- Zez Steeple tied his career high of field goals and three pointers made, making seven and six, respectively, to finish with 21 points. Shawn Hopkins finished with 14, while Tyler Dean added 13. Poitier finished with 12.

- Six Bearcats finished in double figures.

NEXT UP
North Georgia will close out its season on the road against Georgia Southwestern on Saturday at 3:30 p.m.