DAHLONEGA – The No. 15 University of North Georgia men's basketball team capitalized on its inside presence and never trailed in a 79-62 Peach Belt Conference victory Saturday inside Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center.

The Nighthawks raced out to a 13-3 lead behind early baskets from Colin Turner and Zack Hawkinson and pushed the margin to 18 points at 41-23 with 2:10 remaining in the first half.

North Georgia shot 58% from the field and went a perfect 7 for 7 from the free-throw line in the opening half to carry a 45-30 advantage into the break.

UNG continued to control the tempo in the second half, building its lead to as many as 19 points and never allowing the margin to slip into single digits.

Turner led all scorers with 20 points and eight rebounds. AJ White finished with 17 points, while Hawkinson added 14.

North Georgia dominated the paint, outscoring the Hurricanes 46-22 inside.

With the win, UNG improved to 11-2 overall and 5-2 in Peach Belt play.

JR Jacobs paced the Hurricanes (11-4, 4-3 PBC) with 14 points, five rebounds and nine assists.

The Nighthawks head to Cochran for a conference matchup at Middle Georgia on Wednesday (Jan. 14).