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COLUMBUS – The Columbus State University women's basketball team lost to North Georgia 61-44 Wednesday night in the Lumpkin Center in Peach Belt Conference action.

Tatiana Wayne led the way for the Lady Cougars with 18 points, while LeeAysia Williams finished with 12 points, four rebounds and four steals. Khari Jernigan grabbed six rebounds to go along with her five points and two assists.  

"We didn't stick to our game plan offensively," said head coach Anita Howard. "I felt like we played well on the defensive side of the ball, but we went away from what we wanted on the other end and you can't do that against a talented and veteran team like North Georgia."  

It was back and forth in the early going with the Lady Cougars holding a 7-6 lead until the offense went cold. Over the next three-plus minutes, the Nighthawks went on a 13-1 run to take control of the game.

Things didn't get better in the second as Columbus State managed two points, while North Georgia extended its lead to 33-14 heading into halftime.

After the break, the Lady Cougars attempted a comeback effort as Jernigan pulled off an old fashion three-point play to score the first points of the half. CSU would pull within 13 (43-30) with just over 1:54 remaining in the quarter after a Williams three. However, it would be as close as CSU got for the remainder of the game. 

As a team, CSU shot a season low 23.4 percent (15-for-64) from the floor while only connecting on three of its 21 three-point attempts. From the free throw line, the Lady Cougars shot 68.8 percent (11-for-16). Columbus State forced 19 North Georgia turnovers. 

Columbus State will be back in action Saturday, Feb. 9 on the road to take on Augusta. CSU defeated the Jaguars 58-56 in Columbus on Jan. 12. Tipoff will be at 1:30 p.m.