Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 54, Kennesaw State 77
Records: Lions 0-1, Owls 1-2
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia

KENNESAW, Ga. - On the road taking on Division I Kennesaw State, the Piedmont College men's basketball team held their own in the first half, but the Owls' size and depth led them to a 77-54 win. The game was a non-counting exhibition for the Lions and does not reflect in the overall record or statistics from this season. 

Piedmont took a 7-4 lead on the Owls and kept it within a five point game through the first 10 minutes of play. Five straight points by JUSTIN VALLEJO made it a one point contest again, but KSU scored eight straight to make it 28-19 with 5:22 to play in the first half. 

The Lions had another five straight points by TAYLOR MILLS after a made 3-pointer and two free throws off a technical foul making it 32-29 with 1:38 to play. KSU had another run following the five-point play, however, taking a 37-31 lead into the half. 

The Owls kept momentum in the second half after an 11-3 run to open the final 20:00 of play. Kennesaw State outscored Piedmont 40-23 in the second half led by Tyler Hooker scoring 10 of his 17 points. 

JUSTIN VALLEJO led Piedmont with 18 points in the game while TAYLOR MILLS added 10 points as the only other Lion in double figures. Both Vallejo and Elijah Alston had eight rebounds in the contest. 

Turning Point
--The Lions trailed by just one with 1:00 to play till halftime, but the Owls reeled off a quick five points to take a six point lead and momentum into the locker room. 

Standout Performances
--JUSTIN VALLEJO totaled 18 points in the contest tying for the highest scoring performance in the game. 

Inside the Box Score
--Piedmont had 17 points off the bench in this contest compared to just six in the season opener against Emory. 

News & Notes
--This is one of two non-counting Division I exhibitions for Piedmont this season. 

Up Next
--The Lions travel to Sewanee to take on the Tigers on Wednesday, November 29 following the Thanksgiving break. 

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, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.