NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 56, Truett-McConnell 31
Records: Piedmont, 9-3; Truett-McConnell, 2-11
DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont College women's basketball team returned to action after a two-week break and cruised past Truett-McConnell, 56-31, on Saturday afternoon at Cave Arena.
The Lady Lions (9-3) played stifling defense in the first half, while the offense awoke in the second half to give them their third-straight win.
Three Lions scored in double figures, led by KELLY ACKERMAN and JATASIA BAILEY, who poured in 14 each. Junior guard AMARI PRICE continued her outstanding all-around play, tallying 12 points to go with nine rebounds and six assists.
After going 14 days without playing a game, Piedmont's offense had to shake off some rust in the opening quarter, scoring just nine points. However, the defense made up for it, holding the Bears (2-11) to just three points in the first and second periods. PC's six points allowed in the first half was easily the fewest the team has allowed in a half this season.
Both offenses picked up the pace in the second half, but the Lions increased their lead to 38-22 heading into the final 10 minutes.
The Lions played their best overall quarter in the fourth, outscoring Truett-McConnell, 18-9, to take the 25-point win.
TURNING POINT:
- The Lions held the Bears to just six first-half points, building a sizeable cushion for the second half.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Bailey and Ackerman poured in 14 points each and combined to knock down all seven of Piedmont's three-pointers for the game.
- RAEGINE NEWKIRK pulled down seven rebounds and added four points in just nine minutes off the bench.
- Newcomer ASHLYN ELLISON tallied three points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in her team debut.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The Lions forced 31 turnovers and pulled in 50 rebounds, compared to 35 for the Bears.
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.
