NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Emory 98, Piedmont 89
Records: Piedmont, 0-1; Emory, 1-0

DEMOREST, Ga. - The men's basketball team welcomed in #3 ranked Emory into Cave Arena on Sunday for their season opener, and despite a loss, Piedmont showed glimpses of brilliance, bringing hope for the rest of the season.

Piedmont had four players with double-digit figures at the end of the contest, three of such performances coming from returners Israel Hall, Fisher Darden and Dylan Patrick, who led the Lions with 24 points. Freshman Parker Renault showed out in his Lions' debut as he finished with 13 points and seven rebounds.

Emory showed their quickness from the beginning of the game as they tried to work the paint but continuously ran into Parker Renault, who was a presence inside for Piedmont throughout the contest. The Eagles would not be denied, however, as they built a quick lead on the Lions in the first half, which they would not relinquish all afternoon. 

By halftime Emory held a 17-point lead on Piedmont, but after coming out of the locker room for the second half, the Lions looked to execute a strong game plan against their highly ranked opponent. 

The Lions would look to cut the Eagles' lead and successfully made shots to put points on the board, but Emory's answer was too strong as they rallied and built their lead to 25 points above Piedmont. After a tough shooting first half, the Lions would get to work.

Halfway through the second half Piedmont would start a slow-burning rally led by Dylan Patrick and Parker Renault's second-half performances. Slowly but surely, as the final minutes closed in, the once double-digit lead for the Eagles shrunk to single digits. Javi Marlowe would complete a buzzer-beating tip-in, keeping the deficit at nine for the Lions.

Despite the loss, Piedmont looked strong against the top three ranked Emory.

The Lions will look to build off of their performance as they will welcome the Toccoa Falls Eagles into Cave Arena on Tuesday, Nov. 11th, at 7:00 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Emory's first half performance that built a large lead to hold off the Lions' second half push.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Patrick led the Lions with 24 points.
- Parker Renault scored 13 points while collecting seven rebounds.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont tallied 19 assists and just nine turnovers against the #3 ranked DIII school in the nation.

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.