DAHLONEGA - The No. 6 University of North Georgia (UNG) men's basketball team turned back the clock as the Saints for one night, earning an 87-76 Peach Belt Conference win over Columbus State on Wednesday in historic Memorial Hall. AJ White led all scorers with 24 points to keep UNG perfect on the season.

North Georgia's offense was dominant early, shooting 18-for-27 from the field and 8-for-14 from 3-point range in the first half. The Saints held the Cougars to 11-for-23 shooting and 3-for-11 from deep to take a 49-34 lead into halftime.

The Saints maintained control in the second half, shooting 12-for-29 from the floor and 13-for-17 at the free-throw line to seal the victory.

After CSU scored the game's first basket, North Georgia used a quick 6-0 spurt to grab the lead for good and never look back. The Saints led by as many as 24 (46-22) with just over three minutes to play in the first half. Columbus State chipped away after the break and cut the UNG lead to six points on three different occasions late in the second half, but North Georgia secured the win with timely free throws late. 

White's 24 points paced UNG, while Jake Stephens added 16 off the bench. AJ Baskerville led the Saints on the glass with six rebounds and contributed nine points. Zack Hawkinson added four boards, four steals and a block.

Marlon Smith led the Cougars (6-4, 1-2 PBC) with 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting. 

With the win, North Georgia improved to 8-0 overall and 2-0 in PBC play.

During the halftime break, UNG recognized men's and women's basketball alumni along with the family of Coach Bill Ensley, the namesake of the court in Memorial Hall, in a special ceremony held on the court as part of the Throwback Night festivities. 

UNG returns to Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center on Saturday, Dec. 13, to host Lander. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.