The visiting Monarchs of Methodist University carried a hot shooting hand throughout the game en route to a 102-98 non-conference victory over the PC men's basketball team tonight in the 2nd Annual PC Holiday Classic. The loss marks the second consecutive for Piedmont who now moves to an even 5-5 record on the young season.

The Monarchs shot a remarkable 34-60 (57%) from the field including 11-17 (65%) from behind the tri-fecta and 23-35 (66%) from the charity stripe. The Lions were close on the heels of MU shooting nearly 50% from the field and an impressive 29-36 (81%) from the free-throw line in the defeat.

After hitting the first basket of the game Methodist extended it's first half lead to 22-11 at the 12:00 minute mark befor the Lions rallied with a 12-4 run to get within three points. The Monarchs answered with an 11-4 run and entered intermission with a comfortable 52-40 lead.

At the onset of the second frame the Lions exploded on a 5-0 run that included a pair of steals to get within five points. PC continued its early run to trail 64-63 at the 11:00 minute mark before MU went on 17-5 run to build a 13-point advantage.

Methodist built its biggest lead of the game with a 95-81 advantage with less than two minutes remaining before PC ended the contest on a 17-7 run but fell a mere four points short when the final buzzer sounded.

Senior JAKE BALDWIN led the Lions' offense with a game high 35 points including 3-4 from behind the tri-fecta. WESLEY PARKER added 16 points and a team high six assists while MICHAEL RUBIO and SAMUEL COPPAGE reached double figures with 12 points respectively.

The Monarchs placed six players in double figures and controlled the glass outrebounding the Lions 43-24 including 18 offensive rebounds.

In the tournament's first game the Cougars of Averett University upended the Scots from Maryville College 74-70. Jonathan Rumley paced four teammates in double figures with team high in both points (13) and steals (4) for AU while Ben Williamson and Christopher Orr led MC with 11 points apiece.  

Piedmont will return to the hardwood tomorrow, December 30th as they host Averett University in the final game of the PC Holiday Classic beginning at 4:00 in the Johnny Mize Athletic Center. Prior to the Lions' tip-off, Maryville will take on Methodist with tip-off set for 2:00.

Click here for the Piedmont College Classic website with box scores and blogs from D3Hoops.com.