Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 51, Methodist 48
Records: Lions 13-9 (5-6 USA South), Monarchs 7-15 (3-8 USA South)
Location: Fayetteville, N.C. - Methodist University

Fayetteville, N.C. - The Piedmont College men's basketball team picked up a crucial win on Saturday over Methodist University 51-48 in their hunt to ensure their spot in the USA South Conference Championship Tournament. It was a tight battle throughout as it was never more than a seven point game but the Lions prevailed late.

Piedmont trailed by seven as the Monarchs took the largest lead of the game early in the contest 11-4 at the 16:16 mark after a 9-0 run. TRAE GAINES singlehandedly got the Lions back within a single point as he scored a 3-pointer, jumper and a free throw in the ensuing four minutes of play.

The Lions regained the lead on a jumper by MARQUISE LANIER with 10:09 to play in the first half but the Monarchs built up a six point lead with less than two minutes to play until halftime. Piedmont cut the lead to just 23-21 at the break thanks to a DANIEL MCCRAVY 3-pointer and a free throw by Gaines.

The second half was more of the same as the two teams went back and forth with the lead through the opening five minutes, but the Monarchs again went on a run to make it 33-27 and take a six point lead. Piedmont responded with a 9-0 run of its own to regain the lead at 36-33 with less than ten minutes to play.

The Monarchs tied the game on a 3-pointer and took the lead again with 9:21 to go and it was not until the 2:19 mark that TRAE GAINES tied the game at 44. On Piedmont's ensuing possession, PEYTON LUKEN drained a 3-pointer giving Piedmont a three point lead which was enough to outlast the Monarchs.

Turning Point
--A 3-pointer by PEYTON LUKEN put the Lions up by three with 1:39 to go and the Lions were able to cling to the lead.

Standout Performances
--JUSTIN VALLEJO scored a team-high 12 points in 23 minutes of play going 5-of-6 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the charity stripe.
--CHASE ENGLAND notched 11 points while adding six rebounds.

Inside the Box Score
--Piedmont shot 38.8% from the floor while holding the Monarchs to just 28.8% in the contest.

News & Notes
--This game marked the lowest point total for Piedmont as well as the fewest points they've given up this season.

Up Next
Piedmont continues on the road taking on Greensboro Sunday at 3 p.m. with just three contests remaining in the regular season. 

How to Follow
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