JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. - The (RV) University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team used a huge third-quarter surge to erase a double-digit halftime deficit, but host Carson-Newman answered with a strong fourth quarter to hand the Nighthawks an 82-74 non-conference setback Tuesday afternoon at C-N's Holt Fieldhouse.
Averie Jones paced North Georgia (4-4) with a team-high 21 points on 9-of-16 shooting, adding six rebounds, five assists and three steals in 37 minutes.
Zaynah Preston,
Caroline Martin and
Kendall Emener each finished with 10 points apiece to round out the Nighthawks' double-figure scorers.
Carson-Newman (3-2) led by 12 (44-32) at the half after shooting better than 50 percent from the floor over the opening 20 minutes.
C-N would lead by as many as 15 (54-39) at the 6:15 mark of the third quarter, but that is when the Nighthawks would catch fire using a 20-4 run fueled a flurry of 3-pointers from Jones, Martin and
Maddie Millar to grab a 59-58 lead heading to the fourth.
The Eagles regrouped in the fourth quarter, using timely perimeter shooting and transition baskets to outscore North Georgia 24-15 over the last 10 minutes and reclaim control.
A jumper by Emener evened the game at 64 apiece with 6:52 to play, but an Eagle basket on the next possession pushed C-N back out in front for good.
Jennifer Sullivan poured in a game-high 26 points, while Emily Gonzalez added 21 points and seven assists to lead Carson-Newman's attack.
North Georgia shot 40% from the field and 38% (9-for-24) from 3-point range with 17 assists on 26 made baskets. The Nighthawks converted 13-of-15 free throws and turned nine Carson-Newman turnovers into 15 points. Carson-Newman finished at 50% shooting and held a 41-32 edge on the glass.
The Nighthawks return to action on Saturday, Nov. 29 with a non-conference matchup with Southern Wesleyan. Game time is set for 1:30 p.m. in Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center.
