DAHLONEGA – Four Nighthawks scored 15 points each as the University of North Georgia (UNG) women's basketball team downed Flagler 82-66 on Saturday afternoon at Lynn Cottrell Arena inside the UNG Convocation Center.
The duo of Zaynah Preston and Hannah Cail led the way for a strong offensive start to the game for the Nighthawks. Cail and Preston carved through the Saints' defense to combine for 16 first-quarter points, giving North Georgia an eight-point advantage after the first 10 minutes.
Flagler used the beginning of the second quarter to chip away at the Nighthawks' lead, as a pair of free throws from the Saints tied the game up with 5:57 remaining in the half.
The Nighthawks answered with a 14-7 run highlighted by a three-pointer from Jaleah Storr right before time expired in the first half to give North Georgia 42-35 lead heading into the locker room.
North Georgia continued its offensive surge in the third quarter. A pair of free throws from Averie Jones extended the Nighthawks' lead to 15, and UNG poured in 20 points in the period to take a 12-point lead into the fourth.
The Nighthawks kept their foot on the gas in the fourth, pushing the lead to 20 with a layup from Ava McGlockton with 4:46 remaining. From that point on, UNG never looked back, maintaining a double-digit lead for the rest of the ballgame to secure a regular-season sweep of the Saints.
Jones led the way for the Nighthawks with 16 points and a pair of threes. She now sits in third place in program history for most 3-pointers made in a season with 78.
Cail, McGlockton and Preston all contributed 15 points apiece. McGlockton also secured her first double-double of the season with 11 rebounds.
With the win, North Georgia improves to 17-11 overall and 12-6 in Peach Belt Conference (PBC) play.
The Saints (10-16, 5-13 PBC) were paced by Marley Smith with 23 points and 11 boards.
The Nighthawks head into their final road game of the regular season with a matchup against Augusta on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.
