DAHLONEGA - Despite a strong first half against the visiting Jaguars of Augusta, the University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team fell 76-68 tin a Peach Belt Conference matchup Wednesday night at Lynn Cottrell Arena at the UNG Convocation Center.
Averie Jones led the Nighthawks early, knocking down four 3-pointers in the first quarter to help UNG take a 22-19 lead.
Riley Simmons stayed hot in the first half, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and 2-for-2 from beyond the arc until 22 seconds remained before halftime.
North Georgia built its largest lead of the game at 39-26 with 2:54 left in the second quarter. Augusta answered with five unanswered points, cutting the deficit to 39-31 at the break.
The Jaguars carried that momentum into the second half, using a 27-5 run deep into the third quarter to take control. North Georgia was held to 10 points in the period.
The Nighthawks had their best offensive showing in the fourth quarter, shooting 61.5% from the field, but the comeback effort fell short. Augusta sealed the win by controlling the glass, outrebounding UNG 15-5.
Jones finished with a team-high 24 points and six rebounds.
With the loss, North Georgia moved to 12-8 overall and 7-3 in conference play.
Augusta (12-5, 7-3 PBC) was led by Elyse Autrey's 24 points and Amari Jackson's 19-point, 11-rebound double-double.
The Nighthawks return to action on the road at Columbus State on Jan. 28. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
