DAHLONEGA, Ga.  – Clinching its second-straight Peach Belt Conference victory, the UNCP women's basketball team used not only impressive shooting from the field, but also from the 3-point line to capture a 65-56 win over conference rival North Georgia on Thursday evening in Dahlonega, Ga.

Shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 38.9 percent from the three-point line, UNCP (6-8, 3-3 PBC) was able to post its second-highest percentages this season and, despite being out-rebounded by 10, the Lady Braves committed a season-low seven turnovers. Leading the Black and Gold on offense with 17 points and on defense with eight rebounds was senior guard DeDe Cotten, while junior Courtney Bolton added 11 points.

Cotten was 4-of-7 and 3-of-3 from the three-point line and charity stripe, respectively, during her 39 minutes on the court. Newcomer Amelia Partin led the team in assists with five, while senior Domonique Washington grabbed five steals.

Cotten began the momentum for UNCP with less than two minutes elapsed in the game on a three-point play after being fouled on an open layup. At the 10:47 mark, Partin drained a shot from outside the arch to give the Lady Braves a seven-point lead. North Georgia (7-5, 2-2) managed to tie the game for the fifth time at the half, 29-29.

UNCP shot 56.0 percent and 60.0 percent from the field and three-point line, respectively, in the second half as Cotten collected 11 of her points in the final 20 minutes of action. The Lady Saints regained a five point lead with more than 15 minutes remaining to register their largest lead of the game, but from the eighth and final tied score, the Lady Braves used a 14-4 run to hold a 10-point lead with 2:03 on the clock. 

North Georgia was led by Jaymee Carnes with a game-high 28 points and 16 rebounds for the only double-double of the game, while Jessica Trice pulled down 11 rebounds. The Lady Saints were plagued by double the turnovers of UNCP and a mere 14.3 percent shooting from the three-point line and 34.0 percent from the field.

The Lady Braves return home on Wednesday to host PBC opponent USC Aiken (11-1, 4-0) in a 5:30 p.m. contest in the English E. Jones Center. The men's game will follow approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the women's game. Admission prices are $5 for adults and $2 for children 18 years of age and younger. UNCP students are admitted free with a valid Braves Card.