BLUFFTON, S.C. – The University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team led early but had to play from behind down the stretch in a Peach Belt Conference matchup Saturday afternoon, falling 68-64 at USC Beaufort.
The first quarter was highly contested with eight lead changes, but a basket from
Averie Jones in the final seconds gave UNG a two-point advantage going into the second quarter.
Offenses slowed in the second quarter, as neither team connected from beyond the arc. A 6-0 run midway through the frame allowed USC Beaufort to take control, carrying a 33-28 advantage into halftime.
USC Beaufort continued to build momentum coming out of the break, extending its lead to as many as seven points with 4:18 remaining in the third quarter. The Sand Sharks controlled the glass during the period, holding a 16-7 rebounding advantage, though North Georgia trimmed the margin by outscoring USC Beaufort 13-12 in the frame.
Both teams scored 23 points in the final quarter as the Nighthawks mounted a late push.
Hannah Cail knocked down a three-pointer in the closing seconds to pull North Georgia within two, but USC Beaufort sealed the outcome at the free-throw line to secure the win.
Cail led UNG with 16 points, adding three rebounds and three assists.
Kendall Emener and
Riley Simmons paced the Nighthawks on the glass with six rebounds apiece.
With the loss, UNG moves to 12-7 overall, 7-2 in PBC play.
Taniyah Bowman led the Sand Sharks (10-7, 7-3 PBC) with 26 points and six rebounds.
North Georgia returns home Jan. 21 for a PBC matchup against Augusta in Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
