COLUMBUS — The 24th-ranked Cougars of Columbus State used an explosive 27-point third quarter to pull away from the University of North Georgia women's basketball team for an 81-69 Peach Belt Conference victory on Saturday afternoon in CSU's Lumpkin Center. UNG's Jordan Livesay and Kelsey Hutchins combined for 41 points to lead the way for the Nighthawks.
North Georgia led 36-34 at the break, but the Cougars grabbed control of the contest with a 27-14 third quarter fueled by a 10-0 stretch early in the period.
After trailing by as many as 13 in the fourth quarter, the Nighthawks were able to trim the deficit down to seven on two occasions.
UNG was plagued by 24 turnovers and 24 CSU offensive rebounds, resulting in 23 more field goal attempts for the hosts.
The Nighthawks fall to 17-10 overall and an even 9-9 in conference play, while Columbus State improves to 21-4, 15-3 PBC.
UNG travels to Americus on Wednesday, Feb. 24 for a 5:30 PBC road challenge.
