Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 80, William Peace 72
Records: Lions 6-6, 4-2 USA South, Pacers 2-9, 1-3 USA South
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. - JUSTIN VALLEJO notched 21 points and 11 rebounds to lead the way with a double-double as Piedmont's men's basketball team defeated William Peace 80-72 Saturday. The Lions held on in the final minute after the Pacers came as close as two points with 1:06 to play in the contest. 

Piedmont controlled the first half of action leading 40-25 at the break, never allowing the Pacers to clam the lead throughout the contest. The Lions led by as many as 17 before taking a 15 point lead in at halftime.

In the second half, the Pacers came alive with back-to-back 3-pointers by Tyson Sellers to open the period. The Lions stretched it back to a 17 point lead on a 3-pointed by MALIK ABDULGADER with 11:07 to play leading 61-44. 

A run by the Pacers' Tre McLean who scored 13 straight for WPU helped bridge the gap making it 62-57 as he almost single-handedly brought William Peace back in the contest. Piedmont led by seven with 1:42 to go after a TAYLOR MILLS 3-pointer, but that was answered by one for WPU as well.

A layup by the Pacers' Sellers gave PC just a two point advantage at 72-70, but the Lions were 8-of-10 from the charity stripe in the final minute to seal the win and move to 6-6 overall and 4-2 in conference play. 

Turning Point
--The Pacers got as close as two points over the final 1:06 of the game, but Piedmont made 8-of-10 free throws over the final stretch to ice the game. 

Standout Performances
--JUSTIN VALLEJO recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season. 

Inside the Box Score
--Piedmont scored 40 points in each half with a balanced attack on offense. 

News & Notes
--Piedmont is now 4-1 all-time against the Pacers of William Peace. 

Up Next
--The Lions return home to host Brevard College on Wednesday, January 10 at 7:30 p.m. inside Cave Arena. 

How to Follow
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