AUGUSTA, Ga. - Sophomore Julianne Sutton scored 20 points, including seven in a late 19-4 run, to give top-seeded and the No. 22 University of North Georgia women's basketball team a 70-60 win over fourth-seeded Clayton State Saturday afternoon in the first semifinal of the 2019 Peach Belt Conference Women's Basketball Tournament.

North Georgia trailed after one quarter of play, but the Nighthawks kept their composure throughout the game, taking care of the basketball and using defense to clinch a spot in Sunday's championship game. With the game going back-and-forth, UNG used a 19-4 run in the fourth quarter to pull the lead out to 70-57 with just seconds left before the Lakers hit a three to cut the lead to its final margin.

NOTES
- Sutton was 7-of-15 from the floor and 6-of-9 from the free throw line.

- Tamera Thorpe finished with 16 points and Amber Skidgel added 13.

- North Georgia turned the ball over just 16 times, down 10 turnovers from the last meeting between Clayton State and the Nighthawks.

- Sixth-seeded Columbus State upset second-seeded Lander, 86-83, in the second semifinal.

NEXT UP
North Georgia will look for their second straight PBC Tournament Championship when they battle Columbus State Sunday afternoon. Tip off is set for 1 p.m.