Augusta, Ga. – The Augusta University Women's Basketball team lost a close contest to the North Georgia Nighthawks 61-56. The Jags drop to 7-10 on the year with a mark of 4-5 in PBC play. The Nighthawks improve to 15-2 overall and boast an 8-1 record in conference action.

The Jags played their opponents tough in the first quarter, surrendering 16 points to the nighthawks while managing 14 of their own. The second quarter saw North Georgia drop in 16 points to the Jags seven, giving them a comfortable 32-21 lead headed into halftime.

The visitors continued to pour on the offense, knocking in another 20 points out of the break while Augusta only managed 14. Things would be different, however, in the fourth.

The Jaguars opened the fourth quarter with Kennedi Manning dropping one in for two. The Nighthawks continued to keep their distance from the Jags, but Zairya West launched in a three to make it a three possession game at 56-47.

This was the spark the Jags needed, as Moneisha Goldsborough put in a basket of her own a few moments later, while Asia Harrison nailed a three to bring the difference to four.

With only a few dozen second remaining, Manning pulled back and knocked one in to make it a three point match up at 59-56. The jags had the ball late and were looking for a three, but an errant pass sealed Augusta's fate, forcing them to foul to stay alive. The Nighthawks made the ensuing free throws, and with only a few seconds remaining, sealed the win.

The Jags were 22-of-56 (39.3%) from the field, knocking down 3 from downtown, and posted 9 free throws on 12 attempts.

Leading Augusta in scoring was Manning, who managed 14 point in the match up, followed by West who notched 12. Manning also led the squad in rebounds with seven, while west snagged three steals to lead the defense.

The Jaguars travel to Milledgeville, Ga. for their next game, when they take on Georgia College, Saturday, January 25, at 1:30 p.m.