DAHLONEGA – The No. 7 University of North Georgia men's basketball team used an 11-0 run midway through the first half to take control and eventually pull away from visiting Clayton State with a 78-71 Peach Belt Conference win on Wednesday at Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center.
 
The Nighthawks (10-1, 1-0 PBC) had two players score in double figures, led by Frank Champion, who had 24 points and four assists. AJ White added 22 points, including 18 in the second half, and seven rebounds while Eric Jones added eight points and three blocks.
 
North Georgia grabbed 33 rebounds in Wednesday's game compared to Clayton State's 27, led by White's seven boards.
 
The loss drops Clayton State to 4-7, 0-1 PBC. Travis Harper II led the Lakers with a team-best 20 points.
 
After falling behind 29-28, North Georgia went on a 5-0 run with 4:25 left in the first half to take a 33-29 lead. The Nighthawks then lost some of that lead, but still entered halftime with a 35-33 advantage. UNG did most of its first half damage in the paint, scoring 26 of its 35 points close to the basket.
 
Clayton State proceeded to take a 44-43 lead before North Georgia went on its 11-0 run, finished off by White's jumper, to seize a 54-44 lead with 10:50 to go in the contest. The Lakers narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Nighthawks still cruised the rest of the way for the 78-71 win.
 
UNG returns to action on Saturday, Jan. 6 with a road trip to St. Augustine, Fla. to take on Flagler. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.