NGU tipped off the 2019-20 season with a 77-70 loss to the Nighthawks of the University of North Georgia. The Crusaders had a productive game offensively, shooting 42.1% from the field. DJ Brooks returned to the court in style, scoring 20 points including 4 three pointers.

Jalon Cokley opened up the season with a made jumpshot, but North Georgia would also start off strong with a 10-4 run just two and a half minutes in. The Crusaders were able to close the gap before the Nighthawks regained the momentum to open their lead back up. North Greenville continued to put up a fight throughout the remainder of the half with most points being a result of free throws and layups. UNG led 33-26 late in the half, but NGU stormed back with a nine-point run to trail by just one point as the half came to a close with the score 36-35 in favor of North Georgia.

The Crusaders would quickly take the lead for the first time since the beginning of the first quarter with the first two points of the half. DJ Brooks would soon follow up with two three pointers to put NGU up by five. However, UNG would take over the momentum from there, going on a 21-8 point run to lead 59-50 with just over nine minutes remaining in the game. Ryan Mobley would hit a three pointer to close the gap to six, and NGU would continue to close the gap back to just one point. Brooks would follow up with another three pointer to give NGU the lead. However, North Georgia would again take the momentum back, closing out the game with a 12-3 run to win the game 77-70.

North Greenville will return to the court tomorrow to face the Bobcats of Georgia College as part of the Peach Belt/Conference Carolinas Challenge in Due West, South Carolina.