NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Emory 85, Piedmont 67
Records: Emory 1-0, Piedmont 0-1

ATLANTA, Ga. - The Piedmont University men's basketball team opened the 2022-23 season on the road Tuesday evening with an 85-67 loss to Emory. The Eagles were able to break away late in the first half and maintained the lead throughout the second half. 

It was promising early for the Lions as the two teams were battling back-and-forth, but Piedmont was able to string together a run to build a 10 point advantage, 24-14. Midway through the first half, there was a scoring drought as neither team could score for over three minutes. 

ANDREW STIMPSON drained a 3-pointer with 8:35 to go as Piedmont led 24-14, but from that point on the Lions would score just one more basket before the half. The Eagles used a 20-2 run to head into the break leading 37-28.

In the second half, Piedmont continued to battle early cutting the lead to six in the opening minutes. The Eagles however were able to regain control and built a 20 point lead midway through the final period. 

Emory led by as many as 25 down the stretch. The Lions saw 31 points off the bench while adding 12 points off turnovers. 

Up next, Piedmont will be on the road Wednesday for an NCAA DI exhibition at Winthrop. 

TURNING POINT:
--The Eagles were able to use a 20-2 run to close out the first half and take a 37-28 lead into the break. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--ORRY CLEMENTS-OWENS led the Lions in the season opener with his 13 points accounting for three 3-pointers. 
--RYAN JOLLY contributed nine rebounds while adding six points. 
--Jair Knight was the stud for the Eagles with 22 points to lead all scorers. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Piedmont led by as many as 10 with 8:35 to play in the first half, but the offense went cold from that point on. 

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.