DAHLONEGA  --The No. 22 University of North Georgia women's basketball team kept ninth-ranked Tampa to just 20 percent from 3-point range in a 3-for-15 shooting performance, but fell 56-50 to the Spartans at Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center Saturday.

It was the second consecutive home matchup against a top-10 ranked team for North Georgia. The loss drops UNG to 6-2 on the season while Tampa improves to 10-2. 

The Nighthawks had two players score in double figures, led by Ansley Hall, who had 15 points, four assists and three steals. Emily Trushel added 13 points and seven rebounds and Lexi Pierce added four points and seven rebounds. Trushel pulled down three offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for North Georgia, grabbing 10 boards and turning them into six second chance points.

North Georgia's defense held Tampa to only 38.6 percent shooting from the field, including 20 percent from beyond the arch.

After falling behind 6-4, North Georgia went on an 8-0 run with 5:45 left in the first quarter, culminating in a bucket from Trushel, to take a 12-6 lead. The Nighthawks then lost some of that lead, but still entered the quarter break with a 14-11 advantage. North Georgia did most of its first quarter damage in the paint, scoring eight of its 14 points close to the basket.

The Nighthawks surrendered their lead in the second quarter and entered halftime with the score tied 25-25. North Georgia was strong from deep in the period, knocking down two three-point shots to account for six of its 11 points.

After intermission, Tampa snatched a 27-25 lead before North Georgia answered back by going on a 5-0 run, punctuated by a three from Hall, to grab a 30-27 lead with 8:39 to go in the third. The Nighthawks held onto that lead for the rest of the frame and entered the fourth quarter with a 42-39 edge. 

Tampa then erased the North Georgia lead in the game's final quarter for a 56-50 comeback victory. North Georgia took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring eight of its eight points in the paint.

The game featured 10 lead changes. 

UNG returns to action on Dec. 19 following a 10-day break for finals when the Nighthawks host West Georgia at 6:00 p.m. Proceeds from the game will benefit Jeremiah's Place.