DAHLONEGA – The No. 5 University of North Georgia (UNG) suffered its second loss of the season in a 51-43 defeat to Georgia College (GCSU) at Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center Wednesday evening.
UNG fell to 18-2 overall (8-2 Peach Belt) on the season while GCSU improved to 12-9 (5-6 Peach Belt).
The Nighthawks were held to a season-low 43 points in the loss to the Bobcats Wednesday. It marked the first time this season they were held under 60 points in a game.
As a team UNG fell victim to an uncharacteristically poor shooting night. The Nighthawks combined to go 17-of-64 (26.6 percent) from the floor which was a new season low. They also went 4-for-21 (19.0 percent) from three-point range which was the second-lowest in a game this season.
For the first time this year, UNG did not have anyone reach double-digit scoring in the game. Sophomore forward
Kendall Emener led the team with nine points while adding four rebounds and two assists.
Graduate guard
Caroline Martin had eight points and a team-high rebounds while adding two blocks and a pair of steals on defense.
UNG started the game slow after falling behind 19-11 after the first quarter. However, momentum shifted in favor of the Nighthawks as their defense stepped up in the second quarter. UNG held GCSU to just two points and 1-of-12 shooting in the second quarter. The Nighthawks out-scored the Bobcats 18-2 in the period to take a 29-21 lead into the locker room at halftime.
GCSU fought back in the third quarter and limited UNG's shooting ability on defense. At the same time, the Bobcat offense perked up as the Nighthawks were out-scored 17-8 in the third quarter.
The offensive struggles continued in the fourth quarter for UNG as it was only able to score six points in the final quarter of the game.
GCSU out-scored the Nighthawks 30-14 in the second half to come away with the eight-point win.
UNG will look to regroup ahead of a big road game this Saturday in Columbus, Ga. It is there the Nighthawks will take on Columbus State. Both teams currently sit tied for first place in the PBC with an 8-2 conference record this season. Tip off against the Cougars on Saturday, Feb. 8 takes place at 1:30 p.m.
