ST. AUGUSTINE – Tori Pearce led four players in double-figures with 23 points as Flagler College nearly upset Peach Belt Conference favorite, University of North Georgia, in a non-conference game Friday afternoon at Flagler Gymnasium. The Nighthawks edged the Saints 89-81.

North Georgia improved to 2-0 while today was the season opener for Flagler." said head coach Mo Smith. "Offensively, I thought we played well enough to win. I was proud of our ability to score the ball, but was disappointed with our defensive mindset."

"North Georgia did a great job of capitalizing off of our missed opportunities,

Jaziana Mathis (20 points and six rebounds) sank a 3-pointer to knot the game at 81 with 2:43 left in regulation.

On the next possession, Abbie Franklin (12 points, seven rebounds, nine assists) drove the lane for a layup to put North Georgia ahead and started an 8-0 run to close the game.

There were 11 ties and nine lead changes.

Pearce sank 10-of-20 from the field and tallied six assists for the Saints. N'Mya Pierce recorded a double-double with 18 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Sadie Russell contributed 10 points, five assists, and blocked three shots.

Flagler out-rebounded North Georgia 39-33, but 17 turnovers led to 16 UNG points. The Saints made 47.8 percent (33-69) of their shots from the field.

Caroline Martin led the Nighthawks with 23 points while Julianne Sutton added 20 points and seven rebounds. Abby Hubert chipped in with 13 points.

North Georgia sank 10 three-pointers and made 15-of-21 free throws.

Up next for Flagler is Georgia Southwestern State University on Sunday (Dec. 13) at 2 p.m. at Americus. Like today's game, this will be a non-conference contest.


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