The Piedmont College men's basketball team opened its 2008-09 season tonight with a tough 72-55 loss to host Averett University at the Texas Steakhouse Classic in Danville, VA.  After trailing by two at the half (29-27) the Lions offense went cold as the team made just seven shots from the field after intermission.

Averett, the defending USA-South Athletic Conference champion and currently receiving votes in the national poll, opened the game in front of their home fans with an 8-0 run.  The Lions responded to even out the game with a 7-0 run of their own and the teams traded punches until intermission.  Freshman JOSH CHAPMAN hit a three-pointer with :30 remaining in the half to cut the Cougar lead to 29-27.

The Lions' shooting went cold after half as the team shot a dismal 32% (7-22) from the floor including 0-8 from behind the three point line.  The Lions were also outrebounded after half by 11 with Averett collecting 14 second half offensive rebounds.

Freshman JUSTIN RUSH came off the bench to play well with at team-best 13 points to go along with five rebounds.  Fellow freshman TRACEY GARDNER also provided a spark off the bench with four points and a team-high six rebounds.

Sam Coppage reached double figures in scoring with 12 points, five rebounds and four assists. 

Piedmont will turn around on short rest to face USA-South member Greensboro College tomorrow on the final day of the Texas Steakhouse Classic with tip-off set for 2:00 in Averett's Grant Center.