DAHLONEGA, Ga. -- The Georgia Southwestern State University women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with conference-unbeaten University of North Georgia on Saturday afternoon, but a late push came up just short as the Lady Hurricanes dropped a 70-68 Peach Belt Conference decision at the UNG Convocation Center.
GSW led by as many as 10 points in the second quarter - the largest lead by either team in the game - and had the ball with a chance to tie in the final seconds, but the Nighthawks held on to remain perfect (7-0) in league play.
Hurricanes Set the Tone Early
Georgia Southwestern wasted little time establishing itself, shooting over 59 percent in the first half but trailed 46-45 at halftime after leading for much of the opening 20 minutes.
The Lady Hurricanes knocked down five three-pointers in the first half and consistently attacked the paint, using ball movement and patience to keep North Georgia off balance. GSW led 25-20 after the opening quarter and stretched the advantage to double digits midway through the second.
Robinson Leads the Way
Ray'ven Robinson led Georgia Southwestern with 17 points, finishing 6 of 17 from the field and adding five rebounds, two steals and a block in 37 minutes.
Robinson delivered several timely baskets, including a fast-break layup in the final 30 seconds that trimmed the deficit to two and kept the Lady Hurricanes within striking distance to the final horn.
Brittle, Jackson Provide Key Support
Madison Brittle followed closely with 16 points, knocking down four three-pointers while playing all but three minutes.
Janiya Johnson added 12 points and six rebounds, while
Shane' Jackson chipped in 10 points and five rebounds and anchored the interior presence on both ends.
Kassidy Neal provided a spark early, finishing a perfect 2-for-2 from the field and pulling down six rebounds in limited minutes.
Defensive Discipline on Display
Despite the narrow loss, Georgia Southwestern turned in one of its cleanest performances of the season, committing just 14 turnovers, the fewest in a game for the Lady Hurricanes this year.
GSW also limited North Georgia's fast-break opportunities and held the Nighthawks scoreless from three-point range in both the third and fourth quarters, forcing the game to be decided in the half court.
Final Minutes Come Down to One Possession
North Georgia used a brief run early in the fourth quarter to create separation, but the Lady Hurricanes continued to respond. A Brittle three with 6:30 remaining cut the margin to three, and Robinson followed with a pair of free throws to make it a one-possession game.
GSW held UNG scoreless for the final 2:49. After forcing consecutive misses in the final minute, GSW had one last look to tie at the buzzer, but the attempt rimmed out as time expired.
With the result, Georgia Southwestern moves to 8-6 overall and 4-3 in PBC play, while North Georgia improves to 12-5 overall and 7-0 in league action.
Next Up
The Lady Hurricanes return home for a pair of games in the Storm Dome next week starting with a matchup against USC Beaufort on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m..
