MORROW, Ga. - The University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team used a dominant second quarter to pull away from Clayton State in an 81-62 Peach Belt Conference win Saturday night at The Loch and Mason Barfield Court.

In the opening frame UNG shot 8-for-16 from the field and was led by a combined 13 points from Caroline Martin and Averie Jones. Zaynah Preston hit a game-tying free throw with one second remaining in the first quarter to even the score at 18.

North Georgia's offense erupted in the second quarter, outscoring the Lakers 24-9. The Nighthawks shot 9-for-21 from the floor and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc to take control. UNG held Clayton State to 4-for-12 shooting and just 1-for-4 from deep, keeping the Lakers in single digits for the period.

UNG continued to extend its lead in the third quarter before Clayton State attempted to chip away late. The Lakers outscored the Nighthawks 23-17 in the fourth but were unable to mount a full comeback.

Jones led all scorers with 23 points and added three rebounds and three assists. Martin recorded her second double-double of the season with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

With the win, the Nighthawks move to 6-4 (1-0 PBC) and opened the PBC regular season with a victory for the 17th consecutive year. 

North Georgia returns home Dec. 10 for a throwback game against No. 20 Columbus State. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m in historic Memorial Hall.