DAHLONEGA - After Francis Marion went on a 17-3 run in the first quarter, the No. 12 University of North Georgia answered with a barrage of buckets in the paint to earn a 77-65 win over the Patriots Monday afternoon in the UNG Convocation Center.

The Patriots held a 20-18 lead after the first quarter of play, but North Georgia started the second quarter with a 12-2 run to take an eight point advantage. FMU hung around, never letting the Nighthawk lead grow to more than 13, but UNG's defense never let the Patriots to within a possession in the second half to earn their 10th straight win.

NOTES
- Julianne Sutton finished with a game-high 23 points and secured her 20th career double-double with 11 rebounds. It was her sixth double-double of the season.

- Other Nighthawks that finished in double figures were Lacie McCoy (14), Caroline Martin (12) and Kara Groover (11).

- UNG finished with 46 points in the paint, the second most this season.

- The Nighthawk bench outscored the Patriot reserves, 21-5.

NEXT UP
North Georgia will wrap up the regular season Saturday afternoon at home against Clayton State. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.