NEED TO KNOW:
Score: East Tex. Baptist 76, Piedmont 62
Records: East Tex. Baptist, 9-2; Piedmont, 5-5

BELTON, Texas - Despite a game-high 24 points from NAKIYAH WASHINGTON, the Piedmont women's basketball team was unable to overcome a slow start in a 76-62 loss to East Texas Baptist on Friday afternoon in Belton, Texas.

Playing in their second and final game at the Mary Hardin-Baylor Classic, the Lady Lions were held to single digits in both the first and second quarters and the early deficit was too much to overcome.

Washington, however, continued her excellent senior campaign, pouring in 24 points to lead all scorers on 7-of-13 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free throw line. The only other Piedmont player in double figures was freshman RILEY BRYAN, who tallied 14 points to tie her season high. The Sugar Hill, Georgia native was solid from the stripe, knocking down 6-of-7 free throws.

Much like Thursday's contest, a slow offensive start plagued the Lions, as they trailed 32-16 going into halftime and made just five total field goals over the first 20 minutes.

However, a different team emerged from the locker room, as they outscored ETBU, 46-44, in the second half. Unfortunately, the Tigers had built too big of a lead and Piedmont was unable to mount a threatening rally.

The Tigers also had only two players reach double figures, but an outstanding defensive effort held the Lady Lions to under 30 percent shooting for the game.

Up next, Piedmont will jump back into CCS play in the new year, with its first contest being at Huntingdon on Friday, Jan. 6 at 4 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- ETBU established a double-digit lead late in the first quarter and never looked back, as Piedmont never led in the contest.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- NAKIYAH WASHINGTON led the Lions in scoring once again, with 24 points and six rebounds in the game.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
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