Strong first half sends Lady Cougars past UNG women

COLUMBUS -- The No. 20 Columbus State women held true to their ranking Wednesday, leading wire-to-wire in their victory over North Georgia, 92-71.<br /> <br /> UNG falls to 12-4 on the year with a 4-3 mark in league play after the defeat.<br /> <br /> North Georgia had a respectful day offensively, which was easily overshadowed by an eye-popping 61 percent performance from the field by CSU in the first half, giving the Lady Cougars a 55-33 lead at the break.<br /> <br /> Columbus State (15-1, 6-1 Peach Belt) held it's largest lead of the night at 43-17, a 26-point advantage with 7:23 left in the first period. The Nighthawks never quit however, pulling within 15 points at the 7:59 mark in the second half and outscoring CSU in the final period by one point.<br /> <br /> Michelle Mitchell, who posted 22 points, led the Cougars on offense. The Nighthawks were led by Stephanie Huffman, who had 24 points on the night.<br /> <br /> UNG will return home for the first time in two weeks this Saturday, playing host to UNC Pembroke with tip set for 1:30 p.m.