DAHLONEGA - The No. 6 University of North Georgia (UNG) men's basketball team weathered multiple Lander runs and mounted several rallies but could not fully erase an early deficit in a 70-63 Peach Belt Conference loss Saturday afternoon in Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center.
The Nighthawks opened the game attacking the paint, but early turnovers allowed Lander to score in transition and build momentum. North Georgia stayed within striking distance through the opening minutes behind interior scoring from Zack Hawkinson.
Despite defensive stops, UNG struggled to convert from the perimeter in the opening period and went into the break trailing 34-21.
North Georgia responded immediately after halftime, opening the second half with a decisive run fueled by improved ball movement and interior efficiency. Colin Turner and AJ White sparked the surge as UNG trimmed the deficit and forced Lander into a timeout.
When the Bearcats pushed the lead back to double figures, the Nighthawks countered with consecutive baskets in the paint and transition, continuing to chip away. UNG's defensive pressure limited Lander's second-half transition chances and allowed the Nighthawks to stay within reach deep into the half.
A late North Georgia run cut the margin to five in the final minutes, with White attacking off the dribble and Hawkinson controlling the glass to create second-chance opportunities. The Nighthawks continued to pressure the rim and get to the free-throw line down the stretch, but timely Lander baskets prevented UNG from fully closing the gap.
White led North Georgia with 21 points, while Hawkinson posted a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Turner added 14 points as the Nighthawks finished with a 42-38 edge in points in the paint and outscored Lander 42-36 in the second half.
North Georgia moved to 8-1 overall and 2-1 in Peach Belt play.
Antewan Webber Jr. led the Bearcats (8-2, 3-1 PBC) with 13 points.
The Nighthawks travel for a PBC matchup against USC Aiken on Tuesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
