Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 83, Hanover 96
Records: Lions 0-1 (0-0 USA South), Panthers 2-0 (0-0 HCAC)
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio - Mount St. Joseph

Cincinnati, Ohio - The Piedmont College men's basketball team dropped the season opener at the tip-off classic Saturday evening to Hanover 96-83. The Lions trailed by just five at the break but a strong second half by the Panthers lifted them to victory. 

The first three baskets of the game were all three-pointers as Piedmont tallied 10 in the game while Hanover had 11. Piedmont trailed in the first half with just under 10 to play but a PEYTON LUKEN three cut it to a one-point game, however, an 8-point Panthers run would stretch their lead back out. 

The Lions trailed by 20 with just over 10 minutes to go in the game but came back to cut it to an eight point game with 4:30 to play. The Panthers, however, finished down the stretch to hold on for the victory. 

Kelly Assinessi led Piedmont in scoring with 20 points, a career-best for the senior in his time with the Lions. ELIJAH ALSTON was impressive in his debut in the green and gold as the freshman neared a double-double with 12 points and led the team with eight rebounds. 

Turning Point
--The Lions trailed by just five points at the break but a 10-0 run during the second half distanced the Panthers who held on for the victory. 

Standout Performances
--KELLY ASSINESI led the team with 20 points as he was 10-of-13 from the field. 
--Hanover's Cam Fails led all-scorers as he had 28 points including five three-pointers. 

Inside the Box Score
--Three Lions saw their first action on the court including ELIJAH ALSTON who neared a double-double in his debut with 12 points and eight rebounds.

News & Notes
--This is the second time these teams have met with Hanover taking both meetings on a neutral court. 

Up Next
Piedmont will face tournament host Mount St. Joseph Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. to conclude the opening weekend of action at the tip-off classic. 

How to Follow
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