Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 84, LaGrange 105
Records: Lions 8-7 (2-4 USA South), Panthers 13-3 (4-1 USA South)
Location: LaGrange, Georgia - Mariotti Gym

Demorest, GA - Playing just their second conference game on the road in January, the Piedmont College men's basketball team was unable to catch up with the Panthers of LaGrange College earlier Wednesday night falling 105-84 in USA South action.

LaGrange shot the ball well hitting on better than 52% from the field holding a 51-38 advantage at the break after outscoring PC 26-11 over the first eight minutes of the contest.  The Panthers held a 26-point scoring advantage in the paint as well with Piedmont unable to hold off the home team down low.  

Currently the Panthers sit atop the USA South standings with a 4-1 record and 13 wins overall having won eight of their last ten.  Piedmont did see three Lions score in double figures including JUSTIN VALLEJO who scored 17 on 6-of-11 shooting.  

Juniors PEYTON LUKEN and TRAE GAINES led the visitors on the evening with 20 and 18 points respectively.  The two combined to go 9-of-10 from the charity stripe as well.  

Turning Point
--Down by one after a TRAE GAINES three-pointer just under four minutes into the contest, LaGrange seized control of the momentum at home going on a 18-4 run over the next four minutes.

Standout Performances
--PEYTON LUKEN scored a team-high 20 points shooting 50% from the field including a 4-of-8 mark from three-point land.
--TRAE GAINES poured in 18 on 7-of-12 shooting, his best scoring night since a December 19 contest vs. Presbyterian.

Inside the Box Score
--LaGrange outscored Piedmont in the paint 46-20 holding a clear advantage down low over the visitors.
--Turnovers plagued the Lions in South Georgia earlier this evening with Piedmont turning it over 21 times compared to just seven for the Panthers.  

News & Notes
--Three of Piedmont's four losses in USA South play this season have come on the road with the Lions posting a 2-1 record in conference games at home. 
--PC has eight games remaining in conference play, four on the road and four at home.

Up Next
PC will take on Ferrum College this coming Saturday, January 23 in Cave Arena with tip off set for 4:00 pm.  The contest will mark a special occasion as well for PC as Saturday is Maxie Skinner Day recognizing Piedmont's first All-American in any sport.  A men's basketball legend at Piedmont, Skinner will be recognized for his athletic achievement at the school in a ceremony following the end of the women's basketball contest vs. Ferrum on Saturday.

How to Follow
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