NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Roanoke 70, Piedmont 53
Records: Roanoke, 3-1; Piedmont, 4-1
 
SALEM, Va. – The Piedmont College women's basketball team dropped its first game of the season, 70-53, at Roanoke College on Sunday afternoon in the team's final game of the Jean Beamer Tip-Off Classic.
 
Although the Lions (4-1) led most of the way, a furious fourth quarter run by the Maroons (3-1) handed Piedmont its first loss of the new campaign.
 
Despite the loss, freshman forward HOPE FRANKLIN continued her outstanding play, delivering a career-high 19 points to go with eight rebounds.
 
The Lions used a stifling defense early, forcing eight Roanoke turnovers and building a 14-11 lead after the first quarter.
 
After Piedmont raced out to a nine-point lead early in the second quarter, the Maroons used a quick 9-2 run to cut their deficit to 24-22 halfway through the period. Then, over the final five minutes of the half, PC held Roanoke to just two points and took a 28-24 lead into the locker room.
 
Franklin had an outstanding half, leading all scorers with 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting.
 
The Lions held the Maroon scoreless for a period of five minutes in the middle of the third quarter, which allowed them to build a 42-30 lead. However, Roanoke cut the margin to single digits heading into the final period.
 
The Maroons quickly chipped away at the Lions lead early in the fourth quarter, eventually taking the lead at 48-47 with just over six minutes to play. From there, they never looked back, outscoring Piedmont 23-5 the rest of the way and running away with the victory.
 
TURNING POINT:
- Roanoke outscored Piedmont, 35-9, in the fourth quarter to hand the Lions their first defeat of the season.
 
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- HOPE FRANKLIN scored a career-high 19 points and pulling down eight rebounds.
- RAEGINE NEWKIRK was the only other Lion in double figures, scoring a season-high 10 points in just 11 minutes of action.
 
UP NEXT:
- The Lions will take part in the USA/SAA Classic, hosted by LaGrange.
- The Lions will play two games, beginning next Saturday, Nov. 24 at 1 p.m. against Oglethorpe.
 
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.