NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Bob Jones 53, Piedmont 50
Records: Bob Jones, 5-5; Piedmont, 7-7

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Despite a gritty defensive effort, the Piedmont men's basketball team dropped a close road game, 53-50, at Bob Jones on Monday afternoon in Greenville, South Carolina.

With both teams struggling on the offensive end, the game was tied at 50-all heading to the final two minutes. However, the Bruins were able to score the final three points of the contest and emerge victorious.

Neither side was able to find much success on the offensive end, as the squads combined to shoot just 4-of-44 from beyond the arc. Piedmont made just 2-of-25 from deep while Bob Jones connected on 2-of-19.

The Bruins held a 48-33 rebounding edge and took advantage of second chance opportunities, scoring 12 second chance points on 13 offensive rebounds.

Playing in his first game against his former school, Piedmont's DEVIN DEAN led the Lions with 14 points and eight rebounds on 7-of-12 shooting. RYAN JOLLY also nearly accrued a double double, scoring 12 points and adding nine rebounds. Once again, junior NOAH REARDON led the Lions off the bench, with 11 points.

The first half was closely contested, as the largest lead for either team was four points by Bob Jones, which took a 31-29 lead into the locker room.

The Lions used a 5-0 run early in the second half to grab a 41-36 lead, their largest of the game. But the Bruins immediately answered with a 6-0 run of their own to retake the lead at 42-41.

Bob Jones led by as many as six points in the late going, but the Lions responded with a 6-0 run on baskets by Dean and Jolly to tie the score at 50 apiece with 2:11 to play.

However, Jolly's layup was the last field goal made by Piedmont, as the Bruins won the game on three free throws by three different players in the final two minutes of action.

Up next, Piedmont will step back into conference play and look to bounce back at Maryville this Saturday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- With the game tied at 50-50 and 2:11 remaining, Bob Jones earned three separate trips to the free throw line, making 1-of-2 each time, while holding the Lions off the scoreboard.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Dean has now scored in double figures in five consecutive games, playing a team-high 35 minutes on Monday and scoring a team-best 14 points.
- Jolly's 12-point effort gives the senior 11 double figure scoring outputs in 14 contests this season.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The Lions were able to convert just 5-of-14 from the free throw line.

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.