NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 87, LaGrange 73
Records: Piedmont, 12-12 (3-8); LaGrange, 12-12 (4-7)

DEMOREST, Ga. — The Piedmont men's basketball team bounced back Tuesday evening with an 87-73 win against LaGrange.

It was a gritty game throughout, but the Lions won in the margins and steadied themselves for a second-half breakout led by Jackson Houston. The last meeting between the two teams was a one-point affair that saw the Lions come out on top, and the second meeting of the season kept the same tempo, with points hard to come by in the first half.

Sophomore Juan Wharton came up clutch for the Lions with eight rebounds in the first half and 11 total on the night. Overall, the Lions won the rebounding battle by nine, finishing with 56 rebounds.

The Lions kept their defense strong in the first half, holding the hot-shooting Panthers to 28 points, while Piedmont's offense maintained the lead heading into halftime.

Both teams opened the second half matching each other shot for shot and foul for foul through the first nine minutes. Fisher Darden hit a jumper that ignited the Lions' offense, sparking a 12-7 run to create separation. Israel Hall and Javi Marlowe added to the scoring surge, but Houston was the star of the night. After a steady first half, he erupted in the second, scoring 14 of his points after the break while contributing in assists and rebounds.

Piedmont pulled away in the final five minutes, finishing the game on a 22-16 run.

Houston scored a career-high 21 points with eight rebounds and five assists to lead the Lions. Hall, despite early foul trouble, added 18 points. Darden and Marlowe each scored in double figures. Wharton led the team with 11 rebounds, giving the Lions second-chance opportunities throughout the game.

Piedmont will play its final home game of the season Saturday, Feb. 21, at 4 p.m. against the conference-leading Maryville Scots in Cave Arena.

TURNING POINT:
- The Lions came alive halfway through the second half and put together a strong run to separate them from the Panthers. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Jackson Houston scored a career high 21 points and was second on the team in rebounds with eight.
- Juan Wharton collected 11 rebounds, leading the team in that category.
- Israel Hall scored the second most points with 18 on the night. 

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.