DAHLONEGA - Jumping out to a 21 point lead, the No. 5 University of North Georgia women's basketball team weathered a late rally from Carson-Newman to advance to a fourth straight regional final with a 78-64 win over the Eagles Saturday.
The Nighthawks came out of the gates hitting on all cylinders as they led 13-7 midway through the first quarter after an 11-0 run was capped by a three pointer from
Josie Earnhardt. UNG maintained a marginal lead before scoring the last six points of the first half to take a 16 point advantage into the locker room.
The momentum continued into the second half as North Georgia scored the first five points of the third quarter before Carson-Newman battled back. C-N outscored the Nighthawks by 16 to trim the lead to five going into the fourth, but UNG responded with free throws and big shots from distance to seal the win.
NOTES
- North Georgia was led by Earnhardt and
Jamari McDavid's 18 points each, while
Caroline Martin added 17.
Julianne Sutton had her second straight double-double and third in the last four games with 11 points and 12 boards.
- UNG only turned the ball over five times while forcing 17 Eagle turnovers. The Nighthawks converted those into 21 points.
- Lander defeated Georgia Southwestern by three in the other semifinal matchup.
NEXT UP
North Georgia will take on Lander for the third straight time in a regional championship. Tipoff Monday night is set for 7 p.m. inside the UNG Convocation Center.
