Box Score Demorest, GA -- The Piedmont Lady Lions were overwhelmed by a strong Panthers offense this evening as they fell 79-61 to the USA South conference foe. Ferrum led both halves at Cave Arena, holding the Lions top scorers to single digits at the same time.

Piedmont started off with a one-point lead that would soon vanish as the Panthers nailed two three's and a jumper to take the lead in the first 2 minutes. Their lead extended by four more points before the Lions could calm down and return offensive fire.

Following a Carly Sales free throw, Sales and Symone Ball each hit free throws to start a comeback with 10 minutes left in the first half. Gabby Arencibia then looped around an opponent and launched a shot from beyond the arc to give Piedmont a 21-19 lead.

The lead would sway back to the visitors again though for the final time in the half as Ferrum's offense went to work. Just before the buzzer, the Panthers nailed a three-point buzzer-beater to set the halftime score at 37-24; advantage Ferrum.

With the second half underway, Ferrum's defensive pressure was too strong for a Piedmont comeback. The Lady Lions earned a few jumpers and free throws here and there but couldn't keep up with a strong Ferrum offense that gathered a 31 point lead with 8 minutes left in the half.

Freshman Julianne Bayers gave the crowd hope as she stepped off the bench and stepped up to play. Bayers went 2-2 from beyond the arc and 4-5 on jumpers late in the game to slowly wittle away at the deficit. Lauren Hamel did her best to help Bayers, earning 7 points of her own and 10 rebounds but it wasn't enough so late in the game.

At the final buzzer, the Lady Lions came away with just their second USA South loss, moving to 5-2 in conference while 11-5 overall. The Lady Lions next matchup will be another USA South bout with the Cougars of Averett University in Cave Arena this Sunday, January 26th at 1:00 PM.