AIKEN, S.C. - The University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team never trailed and controlled the game from the opening tip, rolling to a 77-45 Peach Belt Conference road victory over USC Aiken on Wednesday evening.

UNG set the tone early with a strong first-quarter surge, jumping out to a double-digit lead behind efficient shooting and active defense. The Nighthawks held the Pacers to single digits, carrying a 20-9 advantage in the opening frame.

The momentum continued in the second quarter as North Georgia pushed the margin to 18, taking a 41-23 lead into halftime after shooting better than 50 percent from the floor.

The Nighthawks came out of the break with the same intensity, outscoring the Pacers 18-12 in the third quarter. Strong rebounding and points in the paint extended the lead to 59-35.

UNG opened the fourth quarter with another decisive run, stretching the lead to as many as 32 points. The Nighthawks knocked down timely 3-pointers and the North Georgia bench provided a spark to close out the game.

Riley Simmons and Ava McGlockton both reached season highs, contributing 15 and 14 points respectively. Hannah Cail added 14 points, nine rebounds and four assists, and Maddie Millar chipped in nine points, all from beyond the arc. Zaynah Preston directed the offense with six assists as North Georgia totaled 17 on the night.

North Georgia improves to 9-4 overall and remains unbeaten (4-0) in PBC play.

Morgan McDermott led USC Aiken (2-8, 0-4) with 11 points and three rebounds.

The Nighthawks return to action on Friday (Dec. 19) for a non-conference matchup against Reinhardt in Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.