TAMPA – A stout defensive performance and
Frank Champion's 24 points led the way in the University of North Georgia men's basketball win over Tampa in the first game of the Tampa Classic. Champion was efficient from the field, making 10 of his 13 attempts while adding six assists to his totals.
AJ White added 15 points, adding three assists.
Sutton Smith finished third in scoring, making all three of his shots from beyond the arc to finish with nine points. The Nighthawk defense allowed just 53 points in the game, forcing 18 turnovers. The 53 points allowed were the fewest allowed by UNG this season and the Nighthawks' fifth time holding their opponent to less than 60 points.
North Georgia made seven of their 11 three-point attempts in the first half, outscoring Tampa 40-23.
Key Moments
- After allowing the game's first two points, North Georgia went on a 15-0 run. The Nighthawks did not allow a second basket until the 13:28 mark in the first half.
- Tampa cut the deficit to six points at the 11:28 mark, scoring nine straight points.
- A last-second jumper to end the first half by White gave UNG a 17-point lead at the halftime break.
- The Nighthawks stretched the lead to as high as 21 with 13:25 to go in the game.
- Tampa pulled within ten at the 9:17 mark before UNG scored seven straight to take a 61-46 lead with 5:39 left in the game.
- North Georgia ended the game on an 8-0 run to defeat Tampa 69-53 for their fifth double-digit victory of the season.
Next Up
The Nighthawks will complete their trip to the Tampa Classic with a 5:00 p.m. tip-off versus Eckerd (5-4). Eckerd fell to Flagler 79-65 in Saturday's other contest.
