NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Huntingdon 57, Piedmont 56
Records: Piedmont, 13-8 (8-5 CCS); Huntingdon, 9-13 (6-7 CCS)

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Piedmont women's basketball team fell, 57-56, in a final minute heartbreaker at Huntingdon on Friday night in Montgomery, Alabama.

Despite trailing by seven at halftime, the Lions mounted a furious comeback in the third quarter, eventually holding a one-point lead in the final minutes. Unfortunately, with the score tied at 56-all, Huntingdon was able to draw a foul with three seconds left, and converted on 1-of-2, while Piedmont's final shot attempt at the buzzer missed the mark.

The loss marks two in a row this week on the road for the Lions, who fall to 8-5 in CCS play.

Laken Stiles delivered a valiant effort in defeat for Piedmont, leading the squad with 19 points while also dishing out three assists. Ashley Scott was the only other Lion in double figures, with 11 points including a pair of three-pointers.

Scott knocked down both of her three-pointers in a strong opening quarter for the Lions, who led 16-12 after the first 10 minutes.

The Hawks then took control in the second quarter with an 18-7 advantage heading into the halftime to lead 30-23.

Piedmont flipped the script out of the locker room, scoring six straight points before the Hawks found the scoreboard. The Lions regained the lead on a Stiles layup with 5:26 left in the period. The team went back and forth the rest of the way, with neither side leading by more than five until the end.

Piedmont led once in the final minutes on a fastbreak layup by Scott. But that turned out to be Piedmont's final field goals, with the Hawks escaping on the final possession.

Up next, Piedmont will be right back at it, with a road game at LaGrange Saturday at 2 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- With the score knotted at 56-all in the final seconds, Huntingdon came down with a pair of offensive rebounds, eventually earning a trip to the free throw line. The Hawks' Briana McGruder connected on 1-of-2 and the Hawks stopped the Lions' last second attempt to close out the win.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Stiles led the Lions with 19 points, including eight in the final quarter.
- Huntingdon's Kinstin Davis came off the bench to score 24 points, leading all scorers.

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.