NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 71, MUW 57
Records: Piedmont 1-1, MUW 1-1

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Piedmont men's basketball team earned its first victory of the 22-23 season Saturday with a commanding 71-57 win over Mississippi University for Women on a neutral site. The win came after trailing by five late in the first half, but the Lions were able to coast in the second half. 

Piedmont led by as many as eight in the first half, but the Owls were able to tie the contest at 28 with five minutes remaining. A 7-0 run put MUW in front 33-28 with 4:23 to play, but Piedmont would charge back and lead 36-33 at the half. 

The Lions built up a 10 point lead with 15:35 to play and led by as many as 15 in the game. Piedmont never trailed in the second half and held the Owls to shooting just 36.8% from the floor and just over 20% from 3-point range. 

Piedmont saw 27 points off the bench including 13 from Hunter Norman who was second on the team in total points to WILL RICHTER. Richter scored a career-high 24 points including 18 off 3-pointers. 

ANDREW STIMPSON led the team with seven rebounds while GARRETT BEAGLE added a team-high seven assists. 

Up next, Piedmont will take on Birmingham Southern Sunday at 4 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
--Piedmont took control late in the first half to hold a three point lead at halftime and never trailed in the second half. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--WILL RICHTER exploded for 24 points, a career-high for the senior as he was 6-of-8 from 3-point range. 
--Hunter Norman contributed 13 points off the bench in his second contest for the Lions. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--These two schools first met last season where Piedmont won a 95-42 matchup to end the season. The Lions hold a 2-0 advantage in the series. 

HOW TO FOLLOW:
-To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University 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.