NEED TO KNOW:
Score: St. Mary's (Md.) 59, Piedmont 51
Records: Piedmont, 3-7; St. Mary's Coll. 8-5

GREENSBORO, N.C. - In its first game in over two weeks and the opening game of the Springhill Suites Guilford Holiday Classic, Piedmont women's basketball fell 59-51 to St. Mary's College of Maryland Monday afternoon.

The Lions started slow offensively and were unable to close the gap enough, despite a fourth quarter rally.

Brooklyn Begley delivered a standout performance for Piedmont in the loss, knocking down a season-high four three-pointers and leading the team with 12 points off the bench. Although Begley was the lone Lion to reach double figures in scoring, 10 different players scored in the game.

The game was a defensive battle throughout, with both teams shooting 34% from the field. The teams were also deadlocked with five three-point field goals each. However, the Seahawks were able to separate thanks to a 44-37 rebounding advantage and forcing 22 Piedmont turnovers.

The Lions did record 11 steals, led by three each from Riley Bryan and Hayley Borino.

While St. Mary's raced out to an 18-10 lead after a quarter and gradually extended it to double digits throughout the game, the Lions fought back with a 16-10 edge in the final quarter to make the final margin single digits.

Up next, the Lions will conclude action in the Guilford tournament taking on the host Quakers tomorrow, Dec. 30 at 11 a.m.