NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 115, Caltech 84
Records: Piedmont, 6-3; Caltech, 3-7

DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont men's basketball left no doubt in a 115-84 win over Caltech Friday afternoon inside Cave Arena.

Fresh off a strong showing in the Mauro Panaggio Tournament in Florida, the Lions overtook the Beavers in the early going and never looked back.

The team caught fire from beyond the arc, pouring in a program record 17 three-pointers, with nine in the first half and eight more in the second half.

 

Piedmont was efficient on both ends of the floor in a dominant first half that saw it grab a double digit lead minutes into the contest and extend it to as many as 30 points late in the first half. The Lions caught fire from three-point range, connecting on 9-of-15 in the first 20 minutes. 

The scoring barrage was led by 18 points from Fisher Darden, who made 5-of-6 from long range, while Dylan Patrick dished out seven first half assists.

Israel Hall tallied three steals and turned them into three thunderous dunks that helped Piedmont build the insurmountable lead.

The second half saw the Lions continue to enforce their will, pushing the lead to as many as 41 points at 92-51. 

Numerous Lions saw game action in the second half, with Houston Henry and Quinlan Cothron finding the scoring column for the first time in their Piedmont careers.

Up next, the Lions will break for Christmas with a pair of games in North Carolina, starting Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 2 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont ran away from the Beavers quickly, jumping out to a quick 15-2 lead in the early going.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Fisher Darden continued his strong play, scoring a team-high 23 points, making 5-of-6 threes for 18 points in the first half.
- Parker Renault finished one rebound shy of a double double, adding 16 points to go with nine rebounds.
- Dylan Patrick finished two assists shy of a double double, with a career-best 10 assists.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- The team's 17 three-pointers are a new school record, eclipsing the previous of 16, which has occurred multiple times.
- Piedmont's 115 points marks its most at home since scoring 122 at Cave Arena against Warren Wilson on Nov. 14, 2023.

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.