NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Belhaven 72, Piedmont 65
Records: Piedmont, 9-7 (2-2 CCS); Belhaven, 13-3 (3-0 CCS)

DEMOREST, Ga. - In a tough conference matchup, the Lions were unable to keep pace with the Belhaven Blazers in a 72-65 loss Saturday. Despite trailing by as many as 23 in the game, a second half surge kept the Lions in contention but it was not enough to close it out. 

Piedmont was able to outscore Belhaven 40-31 in the second half, but a slow first half proved costly. Belhaven led coast-to-coast in the contest taking a 16-2 lead in the opening minutes of play. 

The Blazers built a 31-13 lead with 7:45 to go in the first half and led 40-17 with just over three to play until halftime. The Lions were able to cut away to trail 41-25 at the break. 

In the second half, Piedmont came out hot and chipped away at the lead to make it a 10 point game within the first three minutes of play. Piedmont cut it to a single-digit deficit on an and-one by Griffin Neville with 14:42 remaining. 

The Lions pulled within one, 58-57, on a 3-pointer by Silas Mulligan with 5:21 to play. Following that however, Piedmont made just three baskets from the floor and was unable to complete the comeback. 

Belhaven had four players in double figures led by Jordan Marshall with 20 while Jacob Reese posted 18 points and 17 rebounds. 

Next, the Lions are set to host Covenant on Tuesday, January 21 at 7 p.m. pending no changes due to forecasted winter weather. 

TURNING POINT:
- The Blazers were able to storm out of the gate in the first half and build a 23 point lead that proved to be insurmountable for the Lions. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Bailey Wiseman led Piedmont with 21 points as he banked six 3-pointers in the contest making all but two of Piedmont's threes in the game. 

NEWS AND NOTES:
- Piedmont was just 9-of-19 from the free throw line in the contest while Belhaven scored 18 shooting 75%. 

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.