Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 70, LaGrange 81
Records: Lions 9-8, 6-4 USA South, Panthers 9-7, 5-4 USA South
Location: LaGrange, Georgia

LAGRANGE, Ga. - The Piedmont College men's basketball team dropped an 81-70 game against LaGrange College Wednesday night on the road. The Lions were unable to bank a shot from downtown but found other ways to keep it close and stay in the contest. 

LaGrange led throughout the contest as they came out firing with a pair of baskets in the first 15 seconds. It was all JUSTIN VALLEJO and LANDRY ASSINESI for the Lions through the first nine minutes of play as those two accounted for the first 11 points for Piedmont. 

The Lions cut the lead to a single point after a pair of MARQUISE LANIER free throws made it 21-20 with 6:11 to go till the half, but the Panthers went on an 11-0 run to stretch the gap and make it 32-20 with 3:37 till the break. Piedmont fought back and went into the half trailing by five 35-30. 

The second half was a similar start as the Panthers made quick work including a pair of dunks in the first three minutes. Piedmont would get as close as six points in the second half, trailing 68-62 with 2:47 to play but LaGrange would hold on for the victory. 

JUSTIN VALLEJO led all scorers with 20 points while LANDRY ASSINESI had a career-best night with 16 points, eclipsing his previous game-high of 10 points. 

Turning Point
--An 8-0 run with under 10:00 to play in the contest gave the Panthers a 16-point advantage 64-48 and helped them secure the victory in the final minutes. 

Standout Performances
--JUSTIN VALLEJO led all scorers with 20 points as he has scored in double figures in the last 12 contests. 

Inside the Box Score
--The Lions did not make a 3-pointer in the contest marking the first time since January 10, 2014 that Piedmont has been held without a 3-pointer. 

News & Notes
--The home team in this series has won the contest in the last four meetings. 

Up Next
--The Lions host Berea College on Saturday, January 27 at 2:00 p.m. inside Cave Arena. 

How to Follow
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