DAHLONEGA - Five Nighthawks scored in double figures, but the No. 12 University of North Georgia men's basketball team fell to No. 19 Lander 82-80 at Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center on Wednesday.
The Nighthawks (19-4, 10-3 Peach Belt) had five players score in double figures, led by
Greg Billups, Jr., who had 17 points.
AJ White added 16 points and
Cayden Charles helped out with 14 points and seven rebounds.
After falling behind 32-21, North Georgia went on an 11-0 run with 6:23 left in the first half, culminating in a three from
Case Roach, to tie the game at 32. The game stayed close for the remainder of the half, as the Nighthawks finished the period with the score tied at 40-40.
Lander then snagged a 53-49 advantage before North Georgia responded by going on an 8-0 run, finished off by Charles' layup, to seize a 57-53 lead with 13:10 to go in the contest.
The game remained a single possession game until late. A
Frank Champion free throw with 22 seconds left gave the Nighthawks the lead, but Lander responded with a three-pointer by Jacob Cooper, his lone make from long range, with six seconds left.
A pair of close range shot attempts at equalizing fell off the front of the rim for North Georgia as Lander escaped with the pivotal conference win.
Cooper led Lander (19-4, 11-2 Peach Belt) with 19 points.
North Georgia will travel to face USC Beaufort on Saturday, Feb. 17 with game time set for 3:30 p.m.
