The North Georgia College & State University men’s basketball team claimed its home opener 91-85 over Newberry College on Wednesday at Memorial Hall Gymnasium in Dahlonega.

North Georgia (3-0) and Newberry (1-2) both shot close to 47 percent from the field, but five more made shots by the Saints, including two three-pointers and four free throws proved to be the difference on the scoreboard.

For the third game in a row, Ishmael Hollis, a Flowery Branch grad, led North Georgia in scoring and recorded his second double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds, five on offense. Hollis went 6 of 11 from the field and blocked two shots.

Just missing out on double-doubles of their own were Scott Windom and Chris Tanzy. Windom had 14 points and eight rebounds.