DAHLONEGA – For the first time in the NCAA era, the No. 23 University of North Georgia men's basketball team eclipsed the 20-win mark after their 92-81 Peach Belt Conference victory over Columbus State in Lynn Cottrell Arena in the UNG Convocation Center. The Nighthawks' offense led the way, scoring over 90 points for only the second time this season. Four Nighthawks finished in double-digit scoring, with
Frank Champion leading the way with 23 points while adding seven rebounds and ten assists.
AJ White added 15 points to UNG's total grabbing six rebounds of his own.
Giancarlo Bastianoni finished third for North Georgia in scoring, adding 14 points and eight rebounds.
Cayden Charles continued to build momentum in his freshman campaign, rounding out the double-digit scorers for UNG with 12 points.
North Georgia moves to 20-4 on the season, and 13-3 in Peach Belt Conference play.
Key Moments
- The Nighthawks stretched a five-point lead with 15:41 remaining in the second half to a 22-point lead with 8:38 left on the clock.
- Columbus State (14-12, 7-9 PBC) began to claw their way back in the final 8:00 of play. The Cougars began to find their rhythm from beyond the arc, cutting the lead to 10 with 2:28 remaining.
- CSU would get as close as seven after a made three with 47 seconds remaining but could not come any further.
Next Up
The Nighthawks have a date with No. 15 Augusta in a battle between two of the premier teams in the PBC on Wednesday (Feb 22.) for a 7:30 p.m. tipoff. Augusta (21-5, 12-4) is coming off a 93-71 road victory over Flagler.
