North Georgia women net Burson's 400th career win

DAHLONEGA -- The 23rd-ranked University of North Georgia women's basketball team outscored the University of North Carolina Pembroke 47-32 in the second half en route to a decisive 87-69 Peach Belt Conference victory on Saturday in UNG's Memorial Hall. The win was head coach Buffie Burson's 400th career victory at the helm of the UNG women's basketball program.

After the Nighthawks edged out to a 40-37 halftime lead, North Georgia used a 13-4 run early in the second half to extend the lead to double figures (58-46). The lead would remain in double figures for the remainder of the contest and reached a game-high 20 (78-58) on a free throw by freshman Kaylee Akin.

Jordan Livesay's career-high 21 points led four players in double figures as the freshman made good on 9-11 shots from the floor. Mimi Hill completed her sixth double-double of the year with an 18-point and 10 rebound effort. Molly Rainwater and Lauren Pounds added 12 points apiece with Rainwater's damage all coming from behind the three-point line. Pounds added six rebounds to go along with her season-high 12 points.

Stephanie Huffman added seven points and nine rebounds while Cierra Jackson added six points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Kamille Horne led UNCP (8-15, 4-12 PBC) with a team-best 18 points with all her scoring coming from three-point land where she connected on six of eight attempts.

North Georgia recorded a season-low 7-11 team effort from the free throw line after not getting any chances from the charity stripe in the first period.

Burson's milestone comes in her 20th year at North Georgia as the veteran skipper has led her team to eight conference championships, eight national tournament appearances, including three Elite Eight and two Sweet 16 appearances. The 2005-06 season saw Burson's squad win 19 of 20 Peach Belt games en route to winning the school's first regular season crown. Her 300th career victory came on Dec. 30, 2006 in an 82-55 blowout victory over Claflin.

The Nighthawks (17-4, 11-3 PBC) return to action on short rest with a Peach Belt Conference game tomorrow (Feb. 17) against Francis Marion University with tip off set for 1:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall. There will be a short ceremony preceding tomorrow's game to honor Burson's milestone.