DAHLONEGA – Behind a balanced offensive effort and a decisive third quarter surge, the No. 14 University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team earned a 69-62 win over Carson-Newman on Saturday afternoon at Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center on the final day of the UNG Nighthawk Classic presented by Bryan Properties.
Zaynah Preston led the Nighthawks with 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting, including four 3-pointers, while adding four rebounds and three steals.
Kendall Emener added 15 points and six boards and
Averie Jones chipped in 12 points and a game-high six assists.
Caroline Martin posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds to help North Georgia improve to 4-3 on the year.
The two teams battled through a tight first half that featured five ties and three lead changes with UNG taking a narrow 34-32 lead into the break. Preston and Martin combined for 18 first-half points, and the Nighthawks' defense limited the Eagles to 2-of-16 shooting in the second quarter.
North Georgia created separation in the third period, opening the frame with a Preston three and using a 10-3 stretch midway through the quarter to push the advantage to as many as eight. The Nighthawks outscored Carson-Newman 19-17 in the third and carried a 53-49 lead into the final stanza.
Carson-Newman trimmed the margin to three early in the fourth, but UNG responded with timely baskets from Jones and Emener and converted six of seven free throws in the closing minutes to seal the win. The Nighthawks won the rebounding battle 45-40 and held the Eagles to 28% percent shooting from the field.
Jennifer Sullivan led Carson-Newman with a game-high 23 points while Mattie Nuckolls added 11.
North Georgia will travel to Jefferson City, Tenn. to face the Eagles on their home court on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 2:00 p.m.
