NEED TO KNOW
Score: Piedmont 90, Berea 86
Records: Piedmont, 16-10 (6-6 CCS); Berea, 10-16 (5-7 CCS)

DEMOREST, Ga. - In a rematch from the regular season finale, the Piedmont men's basketball team defeated Berea 90-86 behind a career night from Fisher Darden. The sophomore posted 30 points in the game to lead all scorers. 

Darden stepped up after Ryan Jolly exited the game with 12:45 remaining in the first half and would not return. Darden was the star of the show in the first half as he contributed 18 points with Piedmont holding a 48-41 lead at the break. 

Piedmont held the lead for the majority of the first half, much the same as the last outing against the Mountaineers on Saturday, but thanks to a 15-4 run for Berea midway through the second half, the Mountaineers claimed the advantage 60-59. 

With 10:18 to play, Berea took its largest lead, 62-59, as momentum seemed to be falling in favor of the visitors. A 13-0 run erased that though as Piedmont surged ahead 72-62 with 6:22 to play. It was still a close contest down the stretch and Berea pulled within four late, but the Lions kept them at bay to move on in the postseason. 

30 for 30. The Fisher Darden Experience.

???????? ???? ?? ???????? ??????...

Darden drops 30 & the Lions advance to the @CCofSouth Semifinals! #d3hoops pic.twitter.com/ZavF1jRJne

— Piedmont Basketball (@Lions_MBB) February 21, 2024

This marked the first home postseason contest for the Lions since the 2017-18 season which saw Piedmont have to turn around and face its last opponent on the exact same dates (Covenant, February 17 & February 20). The Lions won against Covenant in the regular season finale that season before losing in the USA South Tournament matchup. 
 

?????????????????? ??????????????????????.

A career-best 30 points from Fisher Darden on a historic night in front of the home fans!

Moving on. #d3hoops pic.twitter.com/MIyGpEaTXn

— Piedmont Basketball (@Lions_MBB) February 21, 2024

Up next, Piedmont will face Belhaven in the CCS Semifinals at Maryville College in Tennessee on Friday. 

TURNING POINT:
--After trailing with just over 10 minutes to play, Piedmont used an 13-0 run to reclaim the lead and did not surrender it down the stretch. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--In the first half alone, Fisher Darden scored 18 points shooting 7-of-8 from the floor, ending the game with 30 points. 
--Noah Reardon added 19 points with four 3-pointers and four assists. 

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Piedmont got outscored on second chance points in the game 19-3. 

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.