NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 75, Belhaven 46
Records: Piedmont, 11-12 (8-6 CCS); Belhaven, 15-6 (8-5 CCS)
DEMOREST, Ga. - Piedmont women's basketball dominated at home for the second consecutive game, rolling past Belhaven 75-46 on Saturday afternoon inside Cave Arena.
While Belhaven opened with a 7-2 run, the Lions quickly bounced back and used an early run to take control of the game, running away with another blowout win.
Five Lions scored in double figures, including four of the five starters along with
Gracie Deetz off the bench. Two freshmen led the way as
Kylie Watkins tallied 13 points while
Lily Conkell totaled 12 points, on 4-of-6 from beyond the arc.
Alexandria Willis and Deetz locked down the frontcourt, both producing double doubles. Willis was a force defensively, adding 13 rebounds and five blocks along with 10 points. Deetz played 20 minutes off the bench, adding 11 points and 10 rebounds.
The story of the game was the lockdown defense from the Lions, holding Belhaven to 18.6% shooting and just 13 field goals.
After the Blazers ran out to a quick lead thanks to some early trips to the free throw line, Piedmont finished the opening quarter on a 21-5 run to lead 23-12 going into the second quarter.
Keeping the momentum into the second quarter, Conkell knocked down back-to-back corner three-pointers to push the lead to 29-12.
From there, the Lions held the Blazers at arm's length the rest of the first half, taking a 39-22 lead into the locker room.
The third quarter mirrored the first, with the Lions outscoring Belhaven 23-12 to lead by 28 going to the final quarter.
Piedmont led by as many as 33 points in the final quarter, putting the finishing touches on a fifth straight home win.
Up next, the Lions will have a two day break before welcoming Wesleyan to Cave Arena this coming Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont used a 21-5 run to finish the first quarter and flip the script on the Blazers.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- It was a balanced offensive attack for Piedmont, with five players scoring at least 10 points.
- Conkell continued her hot shooting of late, connecting on a career-high four three-pointers.
- Willis (10 pts, 13 rebounds) and Deetz (10 pts, 11 rebounds) added double doubles.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont dominated on the boards, grabbing 65 rebounds in the game.
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
Twitter: @PiedmontLions,
Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and
Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or
click here.
