NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Belhaven 81, Piedmont 72 (F/2OT)
Records: Belhaven, 9-16; Piedmont, 15-10

DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont women's basketball saw its season end on Tuesday night at Cave Arena as Belhaven rallied from down in the second half to force two overtimes and defeated the Lions 81-72 in the CCS Tournament Quarterfinals inside Cave Arena.

The Lions led most of the way, but the Blazers chipped away at their deficit and were able to get back into the game to force multiple overtimes and hand Piedmont the loss.

Coming off two home wins over the weekend to close the regular season, Piedmont started hot out of the gate to lead 19-8 after a quarter. However, Belhaven responded by outscoring the Lions in each quarter from there, inching back into the contest.

Fresh off being named CCS Rookie of the Year Tuesday afternoon, Piedmont's Alexandria Willis tallied a season-high 22 points in the loss to go with eight rebounds. Seniors Laken Stiles and Ashley Scott added 15 each.

Belhaven had four players with at least 15 points, led by Xhiir Burgess, who also grabbed a game-high 22 rebounds.

Piedmont held off the Blazers until 3:32 left in the fourth quarter when a Burgess layup gave them a 56-55 lead. The Lions then led at 60-58 in the final seconds, but a Belhaven floater knotted it up 60 apiece and sent the game to the first overtime.

The first overtime period saw neither team able to separate, but the second OT was all Blazers, who outscored the Lions 15-6 to win going away.

TURNING POINT:
- After falling behind in the opening quarter, the Blazers fought back with a strong second half to force the game to overtime.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Willis was outstanding in the paint, with a season-high 22 points on the day she was named CCS Rookie of the Year.

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.