DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The North Georgia men's basketball team overcame a 13-point halftime deficit Saturday afternoon to defeat Lander, 82-78, in a Peach Belt Conference contest at Memorial Hall Gymnasium.

The Saints improve to 15-10 overall and 10-8 in the PBC, while Lander moves to 8-16, 3-14.

David Pruett and Jareal Smith scored 23 and 21 points respectively for the Bearcats, while Darius Carrier led the Lander in rebounds with nine.

The Bearcats connected on 28-of-58 field goals (48.3 percent), including 8-of-20 threes (40 percent), and 14-of-16 free throws (87.5 percent.)

North Georgia was led by Lamar Richardson's 17 points, while Robby Goldsmith added 12 points, JC Ward 11 points and seven rebounds, Pat Moynihan 11 points and Ishmael Hollis seven rebounds.

The Saints made 22-of-52 floor shots (42.3 percent), including 10-of-34 threes (29.4 percent), and 28-of-22 foul shots (84.8 percent).

Lander, which led 44-31 at halftime, won the rebound battle, 35-31.