Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 61, Averett 73
Records: Lions 8-6 (2-3 USA South), Cougars 11-4 (2-2 USA South)
Location: Demorest, Georgia - Cave Arena

Demorest, GA - After trailing by just two with under 10:00 to play, the Lions could not mount a comeback falling 73-61 to the Cougars Saturday. Piedmont came as close as four points in the final 5:30 minutes but a late 7-2 run to end the game ended the Lions' chances.

Five of the first seven shots of the game were 3-pointers as the two combined to connect on 16 3-pointers. The Lions hit eight 3-pointers in the contest led by TRAE GAINES and TAYLOR MILLS who both had three 3-pointers. Mills continues to impress as he is now 14-of-20 this season from beyond the arc. 

A 7-0 run over the final 3:09 of the first half put the Cougars ahead by 10 at the break leading 36-26. After putting up just 26 in the first half, the Lions managed 35 in the second half.

The Lions cut the lead to just two points after a Mills three, JUSTIN VALLEJO jumper and Gaines jumper midway through the second half, but the Cougars answered with a 6-2 run to open up their lead. James Contreras, Jr. of the Cougars scored 18 points with seven of those coming in the final 3:30 minutes of play. 

Turning Point
--A 7-2 run over the final 1:43 sealed the Lions' fate after getting a close as four points in the final 5:30 minutes.

Standout Performances
--TRAE GAINES led the way for the Lions with 15 points going 3-of-4 from 3-point range and 6-of-10 from the floor.
--TAYLOR MILLS again was electric from beyond the arc going a perfect 3-of-3. 

Inside the Box Score
--The Cougars went 13-of-15 from the line while Piedmont was 5-of-7 as Averett scored eight more than Piedmont at the line alone. 

News & Notes
--Averett recorded 11 steals while Piedmont had just three in the contest.

Up Next
--The Lions will hit the road on Wednesday, January 20 heading to LaGrange, Georgia for a mid-week in-state matchup with the Panthers. Wednesday's game is set to tip at 7:30 p.m.

How to Follow
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.