NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 78, Southern Virginia 72
Records: Piedmont, 3-0; Southern Virginia, 1-1
 
BUENA VISTA, Va. – The Piedmont College women's basketball team held a double-digit lead most of the way and survived a late scare to defeat Southern Virginia, 78-72, on Thursday night in Buena Vista, Virginia
 
The Lions (3-0) jumped out to a double-digit lead in the second quarter and held a comfortable advantage most of the way. However, the Knights (1-1) mounted a furious fourth quarter comeback, cutting the lead to 75-72 in the game's final seconds before a RACHEL IRBY free throw iced the win for Piedmont.
 
Despite fouling out in the fourth quarter, AMARI PRICE continued her outstanding start to the season, pouring in a career-high 27 points to go along with six assists.
 
Piedmont used a hot shooting start to jump out to an early four-point lead after the first quarter. Overall, the Lions shot over 50 percent from the field in the first 10 minutes and knocked down 8-of-10 at the free throw line.
 
The Lions opened the second quarter on a 6-0 run to build their first double-digit lead. After a quick run by the Knights to cut the PC lead to six, the Lions extended their lead to a game-high 12 points at 38-26.
 
Piedmont took a 46-35 into the second half thanks to 62 percent shooting from the floor 5-of-9 from behind the arc. Price had an outstanding first half, leading all scorers with 18 points and four assists.
 
The lead was extended by one point heading into the final period as the Lions defense tightened, holding Southern Virginia to just 12 third-quarter points.
 
The Lions built a game-high 18-point with 4:26 to go. From there, the Knights went on a 22-7 run to cut their deficit to one possession with eight seconds remaining. However, for the second time in the first three games, Irby knocked in a pair of clutch free throws to allow the Lions to escape and remain undefeated.
 
TURNING POINT:
- AMARI PRICE's 18 first-half points helped the Lions build a 46-35 halftime advantage.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont shot 48.1% from the floor compared to Southern Virginia's 34.9%
 
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Price continued her amazing start to the new season, leading all players with 27 points and six assists on 10-of-15 from the floor
- JATASIA BAILEY tallied a season-high 13 points on 3-of-5 from the three-point line.
- RACHEL IRBY also scored a season high of 12, as she knocked 6-of-9 from the free throw line.
 
UP NEXT:
- The Lady Lions will remain in Virginia as they begin play in the Jean Beamer Tip-off Classic, beginning on Saturday, Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. against Louisiana College.
 
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.