NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 87, Belhaven 63
Records: Piedmont, 9-6 (5-1 CCS); Belhaven, 9-6 (5-4 CCS)

DEMOREST, Ga. - COLBY REED continued her hot shooting as the Piedmont women's basketball team raced past Belhaven 87-63 on Friday night at Cave Arena.

Playing their first CCS home conference game of the season, the Lady Lions took advantage of lockdown defense and a big second quarter run to build a lead that the Blazers could not overcome.

After scoring in double figures in Piedmont's past two games, Reed carried over the performance to the first half on Friday night, making four first-half triples and leading the squad with 17 points over the first 20 minutes. The senior sharpshooter from Chiefland, Florida then added six more points in the second half for her second consecutive 20+ point outing. 


 

??? ?????? ???????????? ??

Hear from COLBY REED after another big-time performance off the bench! pic.twitter.com/itHvB7AAL8

— Piedmont WBB (@PiedmontWBB) January 21, 2023

While it was the Reed story in the first half, senior ASHLEY SCOTT took over in the second half, scoring 15 of her 18 points in the final 20 minutes to help the Lady Lions continue to build their lead.

With the first game between the teams at Belhaven coming down to the wire, it was no surprise that neither team was able to gain separation in a high-scoring opening quarter. The Blazers led by one heading to the second.

However, the second quarter was where the game turned as Piedmont held Belhaven scoreless for almost seven minutes of game time and stretched its lead to 42-29 at the break. Reed caught fire from beyond the arc as the Lions used a 15-2 run to close the half in a frenzy.

The third quarter mirrored the first, with the Blazers earning 14 free throw attempts, connecting on eight of them for a 26-point outburst to remain within striking distance with 10 minutes remaining.

But once again, the Lady Lions' defense answered the bell, holding the Blazers to just eight points in the fourth quarter as their lead ballooned to over 20 and the final score reaching a margin of 24 points after a one-point win at Belhaven in December.


 

4:46 4Q | The rout is on!!

Piedmont 77, Belhaven 58 pic.twitter.com/T4kVhchdaj

— Piedmont WBB (@PiedmontWBB) January 20, 2023

Up next, the Lady Lions will be back in action tomorrow afternoon at Cave Arena, hosting rival Huntingdon at 2 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Leading by just eight points going to the final quarter, Reed scored six straight points to extend the Piedmont lead to 69-55 and from there, it was all Lady Lions in a dominant fourth quarter performance.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Reed has now scored in double figures in three straight contests, all coming off the bench. Friday night's performance marked her second consecutive 20+ point performance, as she knocked down four three-pointers and grabbed a career-best nine rebounds.
- In two games against Belhaven, Scott has scored 45 total points, pouring in 18 Friday night after torching the Blazers for 27 points on the road earlier this season.
- Newcomer DESTINY DEETZ provided a strong presence in the frontcourt, with a career-high 12 points and eight rebounds in the win.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont held a 40-36 rebounding edge and banked nine three-pointers compared to five for the Blazers.

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.