Franklin Springs, Ga- The Emmanuel Women's Basketball team hosted the University of North Georgia tonight in regional play. The Lions got off to a strong start, outscoring the Nighthawk 24-23 in the first quarter. The two teams ended the half knotted at 34-34, but a strong second half for North Georgia helped the Nighthawks take home a 73-65 win. With the loss, the Lions fell to 2-7 on the season. 

In the first quarter, the Nighthawk jumped out to a 9-4 lead, but the Lions responded well to tie things at 10 with a three-pointer by Naomi Roberts. The Lions took their first lead of the game at 14-12, expanding their lead to as much as six points but North Georgia answered to tie things at 18. The two teams went back and forth the rest of the quarter, with the Lions holding a 24-23 lead after the first. In the first quarter, Emmanuel shot 62% from the field (8-13) and were 3-5 from three-point range. 

The second quarter was a defensive battle, with the Lions holding North Georgia to 23% shooting. The two teams traded points throughout the quarter, with Emmanuel's Abby Crawford scoring 10 of her 24 points. The Lions shot 44% in the quarter, connecting on 2-5 three-point attempts.  At the break, the teams were knotted at 34-34. 

In the third, the Lions continued to play well defensively, holding the Nighthawk to 29% shooting. An 8-2 run by North Georgia would give the Nighthawk a 47-42 lead with 4:21 to play. The Nighthawk would continue to push the pace of the game, extending their lead to seven points, with 1:26 to go, 51-44. A three by Addie Penick would make the score 53-50 after the third.

In the fourth, the Lions would take a 56-55 lead on a three by Emma Leonard, but North Georgia would answer quickly to retake the lead. The Lions would keep things close, tying it at 63-63 on a jumper by Roberts, but UNG would go on a 7-0 run to make it 70-63. In the end, the Nighthawk took home a 73-65 victory to remain perfect on the season. 

Abby Crawford led all scorers with 24 points on the night, going 4-8 from three. Naomi Roberts contributed 16 points, while Maddie Futch added 10 points. Addie Penick ended the contest with seven rebounds and four assists. 

Next up, the Lions will travel to Due West, SC to take on the Erskine Flying Fleet in conference play on Saturday at 2PM. For more information on Emmanuel University athletics, visit goeulions.com.