CLINTON, S.C. — Despite an impressive second half, the Lions were unable to mount a comeback against the Presbyterian Blue Hose falling on the road 69-65 to the Division I opponent. Piedmont shot 54% from the court in the second half while holding the Blue Hose to just 27% in that same period.
The Lions trailed by as many as 13 in the game but cut the deficit to as little as one midway through the second half. The game was tied at 56 with 5:05 to play after a pair of free throws by CHASE ENGLAND, but Piedmont soon trailed by 8 with 2:24 remaining.
A 6-0 run by the Lions cut the lead to two but the Blue Hose hit four free throws in the final minutes of the contest to seal the game. The Lions were 10-of-15 at the line but Presbyterian was 21-of-32 with 11 more points at the charity stripe.
TRAE GAINES led the Lions in scoring with 20 points, one off his season-high, while it was Presbyterian's DeSean Murray who led all scorers with 27 points. CHRIS MEEKS posted his third double-double of the season with 10 rebounds and 11 points.
Turning Point
--Piedmont used an 8-0 run to make it a one point game midway through the second half, but could not overcome the Blue Hose.
Standout Performances
--TRAE GAINES led the team in scoring with 20 points as he is now second on the team in scoring average just 0.1 points behind CHASE ENGLAND.
Inside the Box Score
--Piedmont shot 54% in the second half from the floor while holding the Blue Hose to just 27% from the floor in the final frame.
News & Notes
--In three of the Lions' four losses this season, they have lost by four points or fewer.
Up Next
Piedmont will break for the Christmas holiday before returning to action on January 5, 2016 on the road at Covenant College. That will mark the Lions' second game in conference play and is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m.
