NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Maryville 86, Piedmont 84
Records: Piedmont, 12-13 (3-9); Maryville, 21-4 (13-0)

DEMOREST, Ga. — The Piedmont men's basketball team fell on Senior Night to the Maryville Scots by a final score of 86-84.

The Lions played their best basketball of the season against the undefeated Scots but came just inches short of toppling Maryville's undefeated season as Piedmont drops their final game of the season.

Piedmont honored their men's seniors before the game, and the starting five consisted of the 2026 senior class, with Fisher Darden, Javi Marlowe, Dylan Patrick, Silas Mulligan, and Caleb Lesch taking the court for the Lions. The five played well and contended with the powerhouse Scots in the half. The Lions' defense was strong in the half, as they held the Scots to 44 points while keeping pace with 37 of their own points. It was rally time for the Lions, as the Scots looked beatable in the regular season finale.

Maryville opened the second half with a three, taking a 10-point lead, but Piedmont found a way to stay in the hunt as Fisher Darden came alive in the second half and began to lead the charge for the Lions. With just three minutes left, the Lions trailed by 12 as the Scots appeared to be pushing for the victory. Piedmont, however, roared back to life, scoring 11 in the final minutes to heighten the anxiety in Cave Arena.

In the final seconds the Lions would have possession, trailing by two. Dylan Patrick would drive through the paint and miss his layup. With all parties clamoring at the rim, it was Israel Hall who had the final touch, but it just wasn't enough as it fell to the court as the buzzer sounded as the Lions lost to the Scots 86-84.

Piedmont pushed the Scots to the brink in the contest but couldn't get them to break.The seniors showed out in the game, with Fisher Darden being the catalyst for the second-half comeback for the Lions and finishing with 25 points. Dylan Patrick also remained solid, putting up 17 points in the game.

The loss marks the end of the men's basketball season, as they are eliminated from contention in the CCS tournament via a tie-breaker with Covenant.

TURNING POINT:
- Maryville's defense during the final minutes forced the Lions into difficult shot situations.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Fisher Darden led the Lions with 25 points on the evening while going 6-6 from the free throw line.
- Dylan Patrick put together a 17 point night for the Lions, playing in 32 minutes of the contest. 

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.