MORROW, Ga. - The No. 7 University of North Georgia (UNG) men's basketball team used 34 points off the bench to pull away from Clayton State in an 87-70 Peach Belt Conference win Saturday, keeping its unbeaten start to the season intact with its seventh consecutive victory.

UNG opened the first half with an 8-2 run behind six quick points from AJ White. In the final five minutes of the half, North Georgia pushed the lead to double digits and went into the break up 41-23. The Nighthawks shot 18-for-31 from the field and 4-for-10 from 3-point range, led by nine points from White and eight from Jake Stephens.

UNG kept control throughout the second half, stretching the lead to as many as 28 with 8:37 remaining. Clayton State made a late push, but the deficit was too large as the Nighthawks secured the 17-point win.

North Georgia shot 18-for-30 from the field and 2-for-6 from deep after halftime.

White, Stephens and Jameel Rideout each scored 15 points to pace the Nighthawks. UNG outrebounded Clayton State 38-22, with Colin Turner pulling down a team-high nine boards.

The victory moves North Georgia to 7-0 (1-0 PBC) on the season.

North Georgia returns home Wednesday, Dec. 10, for a throwback game against Columbus State at Memorial Hall. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.