NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 65, Asbury 52
Records: Piedmont, 7-10 (4-4 CCS); Asbury, 8-9 (6-2 CCS)

DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont women's basketball used a stifling defense and a big offensive performance from Kylie Watkins to overtake Asbury, 65-52, on Thursday evening inside Cave Arena.

The Lions put on a clinical display of team defense throughout the game, while Watkins caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down a career-best six three pointers. She also contributed all over the court, grabbing seven rebounds to go with four assists, two blocks and two steals.


 

Big-time performance from Kylie Watkins as the Lions pick up a key conference W! pic.twitter.com/8cDV7y26Aq

— Piedmont WBB (@PiedmontWBB) January 30, 2026

Elsewhere, junior Alexandria Willis was dominant in the frontcourt, delivering another double double, with 15 points and 14 rebounds, one shy of her season high. Riley Bryan had an efficient shooting night, going 6-of-10 from the field for 12 points, while adding six rebounds, four assists and two steals. Ava Hunter scored 10 points in just eight minutes off the bench.

Two field goals from Willis, followed by a pair of three-pointers from Watkins helped the Lions race out to a 10-3 lead in the early going. However, the Eagles fought back and briefly took the lead late in the quarter before Watkins' third three-pointer of the period gave Piedmont an 18-17 edge going to the second quarter.

From there, it was all Piedmont, as it gradually extended its lead and never looked back thanks to a lockdown defensive effort.

The Lions led by seven at the half and then held Asbury to just 25 points for the second half, outscoring the Eagles by three in both the third and fourth quarters on the way to the victory.

Piedmont will have a quick turnaround, heading south to battle Belhaven this Saturday, Jan. 31 at 3 p.m. (ET).

TURNING POINT:
- After Asbury made five three-pointers in the opening quarter, it went cold the rest of the way, making just 2-of-14.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Watkins delivered a key performance in a big moment, connecting on 8-of-11 from the field and 6-of-8 from three-point range in a 22-point effort.
- Willis produced her fifth double-double of the season, scoring 15 points and grabbing 14 rebounds.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont held Asbury to 15-of-64 (23.4%) shooting in the game and forced 18 turnovers.
- The Lions dominated the rebounding battle, with a 53-36 edge for the game.

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