DAHLONEGA - It was a memorable night in historic Memorial Hall as the University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team became the Saints again for one evening in an 88-80 Peach Belt Conference win over No. 18 Columbus State. Zaynah Preston led the way with 20 points to keep UNG unbeaten in league play.

North Georgia opened the first quarter shooting 5-for-16 from the field, 1-for-7 from 3-point range and a perfect 5-for-5 at the free-throw line. The Saints found their rhythm in the second, improving to 9-for-19 from the floor and 4-for-9 from deep to take a 40-31 lead into halftime.

UNG carried that momentum through the second half, shooting a combined 18-for-35 from the field and 3-for-8 from behind the arc to secure the win.

The Saints led from the start and were up by 14 late in the third quarter, but CSU outscored North Georgia 24-10 in a span of eight minutes to tie the score at 67-67 with 5:57 remaining in the game. 

A 3-pointer by Averie Jones pushed UNG back in front for good. Preston paced the Saints with 20 points, adding four rebounds and seven assists. Jones scored 17, while Hannah Cail and Caroline Martin each finished with 13. Ava McGlockton anchored the defense with a career-high 13 rebounds and added eight points.

UNG held a decisive edge on the glass (46-36) and assisted on 21 of the team's 32 made field goals led by Preston's seven helpers. 

With the win, North Georgia improved to 7-4 overall and 2-0 in PBC play.

Letiya Reeves led Columbus State (7-2, 2-1) with a team-high 21 points, adding six assists, five rebounds, and two blocks in 36 minutes.

North Georgia returns to Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center on Saturday, Dec. 13, to host Lander. Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m.