Box Score | Post-Game Interview

Demorest, GA -- Behind a balanced offensive attack the Piedmont College men's basketball team posted its fourth consecutive victory, this afternoon at the hands of visiting North Carolina Wesleyan College by the score of 88-79. Seven Lions notched at least nine points as the home team hit a blistering 53% of their shots from the floor.

The victory improves the men to 8-4 overall. Piedmont will hit the road for a south region showdown with Rust College in Holly Springs, MS on Sunday, January 10th starting at 3:00 EST.

After the Battling Bishops hit the first basket of the game the Lions retook the lead for good with an 8-0 run, four of which came down low from Tracey Gardner. PC would increase the margin to 14 points with 12 minutes remaining before the visitors used a 9-0 stretch to cut the deficit.

The Lions answered with a 9-0 run over the three minutes highlighted by tri-fectas from Sam Coppage and Mike Chatman. The teams would enter the locker room with PC holding a 40-30 advantage.

NC Wesleyan would cut the margin to a second half low four points at the 12 minute mark but the Lions responded with a 9-0 run sparked by a Peter Ricks old-fashioned three point play. Holding 82-76 lead with just over a minute remaining the Lions converted 4-4 shots from the charity stripe to ice the victory.

Chatman led four in double figures with 13 points  while Michael Rubio chipped in with 11. #J.C. Herebia and Daniel Lampl# added 10 points apiece while Gardner added a game-best 11 rebounds.

The Lions assisted on 21of 32 field goals and the men went 16-20 (80%) from the free-throw line. PC showed its depth holding the edge in bench points 38-16.