DAHLONEGA, Ga. – Jaizec Lottie scored a team-high 16 points in Flagler College 66-63 loss at the University of North Georgia in a mutual Peach Belt Conference men's basketball opener Wednesday afternoon at the UNG Convocation Center.

North Georgia won its season opener while Flagler record is an even 2-2.

"I am disappointed in the outcome for sure," said head coach Chad Warner. "I thought our bench really kept us in the game. This was a typical road game in the conference. We will get back to work tomorrow and prepare for Young Harris College."

Jalen Barr's layup with 1:49 left in the game gave the Saints a 63-62 lead. North Georgia's Frank Champion followed with a layup 10 seconds later and the Nighthawks never trailed again.

Flagler missed its next two shots and had a turnover, which led to a foul with one second left. Eric Jones made both shots.

Malik Hardy led North Georgia with a game-high 18 points, and he grabbed six rebounds as well as dishing out five assists. Jones finished with 14 points. Mekhail Bethea added 13 points and Champion came off the bench to provide 13 points and seven rebounds.

The Nighthawks sank 16-of-18 from the free throw line and forced 17 turnovers which was cashed in for 26 points.

Marcus Henderson added 10 points for Flagler. Jalen Barr tacked on seven points and a team-high eight rebounds. Chris Metzger supplied nine points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field.

The Saints outscored the Nighthawks 36-18 in the paint.

Flagler will host Young Harris College on Saturday, Jan. 9 at Flagler Gymnasium. Opening tip is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Please stay tuned to flaglerathletics.com for all schedule updated.
 
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