The North Greenville Crusaders opened up their 2023-24 season with a 65-56 loss to the Nighthawks of the University of North Georgia in the Southeast Regional Conference Challenge this afternoon in Dahlonega, Georgia. NGU trailed by eleven points going into halftime, and although the Crusaders did outscore the Nighhawks 31-29 in the second half, it would not be enough as UNG would hang on to win by nine points. The Crusaders did lead in offensive rebounds 10-7 but were out-rebounded overall 31-25. North Greenville finished the game with a .355 field goal percentage while struggling from the three point line and making just four of eighteen shots from the perimeter.
Babatunde Ajike finished his first game as a Crusader nearing a double-double, recording 10 rebounds and 9 points. He also provided a block and a steal.
Caleb Williams put together a solid day with 18 points, 4 rebounds, an assist, and a block.
Jacob Brown recorded 10 points and 5 rebounds.
NGU will return to action tomorrow against the Bobcats of Georgia College and State University.
