NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Berea 81, Piedmont 73
Records: Berea, 20-4 (14-1 USA South); Piedmont, 20-4 (13-2 USA South)

BEREA, Ky. - Despite an impressive 27-point showing from LIVIA SKINNER, the Piedmont women's basketball team saw its 14-game winning streak snapped in an 81-73 loss at Berea on Saturday afternoon.

In a matchup that was to decide the USA South West Division Regular Season Championship, a cold shooting third quarter doomed the Lady Lions.

Skinner continued her impressive campaign in defeat, scoring a game-high 27 points to go with six steals and five rebounds. The Mountaineers received 22 points from Aaliyah Hampton and 21 from Bailee Vanover while forward Destiny Combs delivered a double double with 13 points and 17 rebounds.

Piedmont never led as Berea jumped out to an 11-5 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. 

In a high-scoring first half, the Lady Lions were able to remain within striking distance thanks to a 61 percent showing from the field. Despite the hot shooting, Berea connected on 4-of-6 three-pointers and made 8-of-9 from the foul line to carry a 44-40 advantage into the break.

Unfortunately for the Lady Lions, the offensive efficiency dropped in the third quarter, as they made just 3-of-21 from the floor and saw the Mountaineers stretch their lead to double digits.

Trailing 46-45 with 6:50 left in the third quarter, Piedmont allowed Berea to close the period on a 16-4 run to head to the final 10 minutes leading 62-49.

The deficit proved too much to overcome. The Lady Lions were able to get no closer than nine points behind as the Mountaineers iced the game away at the free throw line.

Up next, the Lady Lions will conclude their regular season with an out of conference showing at home against Emory on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. Piedmont has clinched the No. 2 seed in the West Division for the upcoming USA South Tournament and will host a quarterfinal matchup on Tuesday, Feb. 22.

TURNING POINT:
- Berea led by just one near the midway point of the third quarter but used a 16-4 run to regain control of the contest.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Skinner closed out her conference slate with another outstanding showing, leading all scorers with 27 points to go with six steals and five rebounds.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Berea was a highly efficient 5-of-7 from the three-point line and made 24-of-33 from the free throw line.

NEWS AND NOTES:
- Piedmont's only two losses in conference came at the hands of the Mountaineers. Berea escaped Demorest with a 64-62 victory on Dec. 11.

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.