AMERICUS, Ga. - Riley Simmons recorded her first career double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, but the University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team fell 61-53 to Peach Belt Conference foe Georgia Southwestern on Wednesday night.

The opening quarter featured multiple lead changes before the Nighthawks went scoreless over the final three minutes. Georgia Southwestern closed the period on a 7-0 run to take a 19-12 advantage.

North Georgia responded with an 8-0 run early in the second quarter, cutting the deficit to one with 5:03 remaining before halftime. A layup by Averie Jones in the closing seconds gave the Nighthawks a 30-29 lead at the break.

Georgia Southwestern limited North Georgia to seven points in the third quarter, with scoring coming from Jones, Hannah Cail and Simmons.

The Nighthawks trailed by as many as 15 with 7:31 left in the game but used another 8-0 run to pull back within single digits. The Hurricanes answered to halt the momentum and secure the 61-53 victory.

Jones led North Georgia (15-10, 10-5 PBC) with 16 points, while Simmons added 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Ray'ven Robinson paced Georgia Southwestern (10-12, 6-9 PBC) with 23 points and five rebounds.

North Georgia returns to action Saturday, Feb. 14, hosting Middle Georgia at Lynn Cottrell Arena inside the UNG Convocation Center. Tipoff is set for 1:30 p.m.
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