NEED TO KNOW:
Score: ETBU 72, Piedmont 54
Records: Piedmont, 0-1; ETBU, 1-0

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Piedmont women's basketball opened the 2024-25 season on Friday against East Texas Baptist University with a 72-54 loss on the road in Tennessee. The Lions were led by Hayley Borino off the bench with 11 points. 

In the first quarter, it appeared to be an evenly-matched contest with ETBU taking a 13-11 lead, but in the second quarter, the Tigers created some distance. Piedmont stayed within striking distance despite a 6-0 run by the Tigers to start the period. 

Piedmont did not score from the floor over a six-minute span in the second quarter but a Kennedi Henson 3-pointer in the final 30 seconds broke that drought. 

The Lions trailed 34-25 at the break and held steady in the third quarter down 51-39. A 21-point fourth quarter from the Tigers proved to be too much as the Lions managed their highest total in the fourth but the 15 points were not enough to keep pace. 

ETBU scored 21 points in both the second and fourth quarters, while Piedmont had its best performance in the fourth with 15 points. 

Up next, the Lions will face host Rhodes College on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. EST.

TURNING POINT:
--The Tigers used an impressive fourth quarter to secure the win, keeping Piedmont out of reach. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Hayley Borino contributed 11 points off the bench, including a pair of 3-pointers. 
--Alexandria Willis began her sophomore campaign totaling 10 points.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Piedmont shot under 30% from the floor but did shoot 73.7% 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 X: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions,  and Facebook.