NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 84, Oglethorpe 77
Records: Piedmont, 2-0; Oglethorpe, 0-2

DEMOREST, Ga. - Behind fantastic performances from KLAIRE VARNEY and HOPE FRANKLIN, the Piedmont women's basketball team rallied past Oglethorpe, 84-77, on Sunday afternoon at Cave Arena.

For the second straight game to open the season, Varney led the Lady Lions in scoring, pouring in 22 points on 13-of-14 from the foul line, while adding seven assists and four steals. Franklin anchored the frontcourt, delivering 20 points to go with a team-high 12 rebounds and four steals.



Much like Saturday, Piedmont rallied back from a double digit deficit, as it trailed by as many as 14 points early in the second quarter. This time, it was a 23-8 run in the second to take a one-point lead at the break that proved to be the difference.

The Stormy Petrels started strong, building a 21-12 lead after the first 10 minutes, thanks to Piedmont's 31% shooting performance in the period.

However, from the 7:51 mark of the second, the Lady Lions outscored Oglethorpe 70-49 the rest of the way.;

After the Lady Lions took the lead for the first time with 37 seconds left in the first half on a Varney free throw, the Stormy Petrels only led briefly to start the second half after that. CARA CRUMP started the second half and knocked down a three-pointer to give Piedmont a 40-37 lead and it never trailed again on the way to its second straight victory.

Piedmont led by as many as 13 points midway through the fourth quarter, before the Stormy Petrels responded by cutting their deficit to three with 2:47 remaining.

However, the Lady Lions answered back and held off the rally, icing the game from the free throw line.

Up next, Piedmont will remain at home as it hosts tournament action against next weekend in the USA South East - West Classic, hosting Averett and N.C. Wesleyan on Nov. 12-13.

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont's furious second quarter rally brought it from down 14 to up by a point at the half.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Varney led the team in scoring again, delivering team highs in points (22) and assists (seven).
- Franklin added her 15th career double-double and first of this season, with 20 points and 12 boards.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Once again, the Lady Lions owned the game from the free throw line, connecting on 31-of-45 for the game.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
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