PEMBROKE, N.C. -- Augusta State nearly rallied from a late deficit but couldn't complete the comeback in a 59-58 loss at UNC Pembroke Wednesday night in Peach Belt Conference action.

The loss dropped ASU to 13-9 overall and 9-5 in the PBC, while the Braves improved to 14-9 and 8-5, respectively. The win pulled UNCP to within one-half game of the Jags in the league's East Division standings, and snapped a 20-game losing skid in the series with ASU.

Freshman shooting guard Devonte Thomas drained six 3-pointers and booked a career-high 22 points and seven rebounds for the Jags. Fellow freshman Devon Wright-Nelson, the PBC's reigning Player of the Week, posted 10 points and seven boards.

UNCP's George Blakeney recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Griffin Pittman chipped in 11.

In a game that featured nine ties and a season-high 17 lead changes, the Braves threatened to pull away when Pittman's trey gave the hosts an eight-point advantage at 57-49 with 4:28 to play.

ASU's Thomas then took over, drilling three 3-pointers in a span of 2:04 to bring the Jags within 59-58 with 58 seconds remaining. Neither team scored down the stretch, however. O'Neal Armstrong's steal with 21 seconds left got the ball back for ASU. After a timeout by the Jags with :08 to go, Armstrong's 3-point attempt with a second left was off the mark.

Both teams shot under 40 percent for the game, while the Braves edged ASU on the boards, 35-33. UNCP connected on 15-of-15 free-throw attempts (88.2 percent). The Jags slipped to 5-5 in games decided by five points or less.

The Jags will look to bounce back when they host Francis Marion for Homecoming on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 3:30 p.m. in Christenberry Fieldhouse.