DAHLONEGA – A last-second made jumper from USC Aiken ended No. 18 North Georgia's four-game winning streak as the Nighthawks fell 79-78 in overtime in Peach Belt Conference action in Lynn Cottrell Arena in the UNG Convocation Center.
Giancarlo Bastianoni (21) and
AJ White (18) were the main offensive contributors for North Georgia finishing first and second in scoring.
Frank Champion added 18 points on the offensive end and led the way on the glass, tying his career-high in rebounds with 15.
Greg Billups, Jr. finished second on the team in rebounds with 11, adding five points and three blocks. The Nighthawks made a season-low three of their 16 three-point attempts on the night.
North Georgia moves to 14-3 and 7-2 in Peach Belt Conference play, with all three losses coming by one point.
Key Moments
- Jalen McCoy (USCA) hit a three with one second remaining in the half to cut the lead to four.
- A last-second block by Billups, Jr. kept the game tied at 66 at the end of regulation.
- There were 15 lead changes in the game, seven coming in the second half and four in the overtime period.
- Jameel Rideout (USCA) hit his second shot of the game with 0.9 left in the game to give the Pacers the one-point victory.
Next Up
North Georgia will move on to face No. 9 Augusta (17-3, 8-2 PBC) on Wednesday (Feb. 1) for a matchup between two of the top teams in the Peach Belt standings. The Jaguars are coming off a 79-61 rout of Clayton State. Augusta is the reigning PBC Champion and made a run to the National Championship last season.
