NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 59, Huntingdon 53
Records: Piedmont, 5-2 (1-0 USA South); Huntingdon, 2-4 (0-3 USA South)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Piedmont women's basketball team used a fantastic defensive effort to prevail, 59-53, over Huntingdon on Saturday afternoon in Montgomery, Alabama.

Playing their conference opener and looking to snap a two-game losing streak, the Lady Lions held the Hawks 33 percent shooting and outscored them 31-19 over the second and third quarters to earn the road win.

Coming off the bench, graduate student KLAIRE VARNEY led Piedmont with 17 points, making 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. Senior LIVIA SKINNER continued her outstanding play of late, collecting 16 points and knocking down two of her three three-point attempts.

The Lady Lions overcame an ice cold offensive start, as they made only 2-of-17 from the floor in the first quarter. However, thanks to their outstanding defense, they only trailed by six going into the second quarter.

Varney took over in the second scoring nine points as Piedmont held Huntingdon to just nine points and took a 25-23 lead at the break.

Piedmont then took control of the contest in the third quarter, extending its lead to 39-33 as Skinner's driving layup sent the game to the final period with momentum squarely on its side.

In the final quarter, Huntingdon made the score as close as two points, but a Piedmont run stretched its lead to 57-45, proving too much for the Hawks to overcome.

Up next, the Lady Lions return home and remain in conference play, hosting Maryville this Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- The Lady Lions used a 10-0 run midway through the fourth quarter to take control of the contest.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Varney led the Lady Lions in scoring once again, with 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting.
- Skinner added 16 points on 2-of-3 from behind the arc.
- HOPE FRANKLIN added yet another double-double, scoring 10 points to go with 13 rebounds,

HOW TO FOLLOW:
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