Great South Athletic Conference member LaGrange College handed the Piedmont College men's basketball team a 72-65 loss this afternoon in LaGrange, GA. The Panthers shot a remarkable 20-22 (91%) from the charity stripe en route to the victory and the regular season sweep.

In a very even first half that featured six lead changes and nine ties the Lions retook the lead for good at the five minute mark as JOSH HAYMORE hit a pair of free throws for the 29-28 advantage. The teams would trade points for the remainder and PC entered the half with the 35-34 advantage.

After TRACEY GARDNER hit a jumper to open the second frame the Panthers posted an 11-1 run over the next six minutes to take the lead for the final time. Piedmont responded with six unanswered points on a pair of tri-fectas. LaGrange answered with a 7-0 run to regain control and led by as many as 11 down the stretch.

In the second half the Panthers hit 15-17 (88%) free throws and recorded 12 second chance points. PC was impressive behind the arc connecting on 9-19 (47%) attempts but dropped the rebounding margin 34-23. Both teams shot better than 44% from the floor and committed 14 turnovers respectively.

MICHAEL RUBIO led the offense with 15 points while J.C. HEREBIA and JUSTIN RUSH added 13 points apiece. Nic Whitfield led four Panthers in double figures with 18 points and nine rebounds, both game highs.

The loss drops Piedmont to 8-15 overall and 0-5 in the Great South Athletic Conference. The Lions will look to rebound on Saturday, February 21st as they host Maryville College at Cave Arena beginning at 4:00.