DAHLONEGA – A career-high 14 points from JoJo Peterson helped lift the University of North Georgia (UNG) men's basketball team to a 63-58 victory over Lee in the 2026-27 season opener.
Both sides took some time to find their footing, with the Flames holding a 6-2 lead heading into the first media timeout. Coming out of the break, the Nighthawks started to find a rhythm with a quick 5-0 run capped, by a three from Dae Morrissette to jump out in front.
The two sides went back and forth with seven more lead changes in the first half. In the closing minute before halftime, Jake Stephens knocked down a free throw to close out a perfect 10-10 performance at the charity stripe from the Nighthawks to bring UNG within two heading into the locker room.
Lee once again found themselves with momentum first, pushing its lead to six before the first media timeout of the half.
The Nighthawks had an answer for the Flames in Peterson. The veteran guard scored eight-straight points to bring the score within one.
North Georgia continued to rally, as a layup from Morrissette put the Nighthawks in front for good with 12:02 remaining.
Despite the pressure from the Flames, the Nighthawks continued to maintain their lead and fend off a Lee comeback. UNG also continued to look strong at the free-throw line to close things out. With less than a second remaining, Zack Hawkinson stepped up and knocked down a pair of free throws to ice the game and seal the victory. The Nighthawks finished shooting 20-23 (86.9%) from the line.
Hawkinson led all scorers with 15 points while coming down with nine rebounds. Not far behind him was Peterson, who chipped in a personal-best 14 points to accompany six rebounds while leading the team with four assists. With the win, the Nighthawks also moved to 8-0 in season openers under head coach Dan Evans.
Lee was led by Dayveun Anderson's 14 points, as three Flames scored in double figures.
The 1-0 Nighthawks will look to build off a win as they host Emmanuel on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Conference Crossover Challenge.
