Dahlonega, GA – A furious second-half comeback wasn't enough for Augusta, as the Jaguars fell 72-67 to North Georgia on Saturday afternoon at the UNG Convocation Center. With the loss, Augusta drops to 11-6 overall and 5-2 in Peach Belt Conference play, while North Georgia improves to 13-6 and 5-2 in league action.

Augusta (11-6, 5-2 Peach Belt)
FG% 46.3
3PT% 28.6
FT% 86.7

North Georgia (13-6, 5-2 Peach Belt)
FG% 42.6
3PT% 58.3
FT% 71.4

North Georgia controlled the first half, taking a 36-21 lead into the break. However, Augusta stormed back in the second half, outscoring the Nighthawks 46-36. The Jaguars cut the deficit to just two points with 24 seconds remaining after two clutch free throws from Demitri Gardner. After North Georgia extended the lead at the free-throw line, Augusta had a chance to tie the game, but a missed three-pointer in the final moments sealed the result.

Gardner led all scorers with 24 points on 9-of-16 shooting, going a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line while adding three assists. John St. Germain III provided a strong all-around performance with 21 points, 10 assists, and three steals. Max Amadasun dominated the boards, securing 15 rebounds to go along with 13 points and two blocks for another double-double.

Despite Augusta's 55.6% shooting in the second half, North Georgia's efficiency from three-point range (7-of-12) and their advantage at the free-throw line (25-of-35) proved to be the difference.

Next Up: The Jaguars look to bounce back as they host Georgia College for a PBC matchup on Wednesday, January 29. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.