NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 85, LaGrange 84
Records: Piedmont, 10-9 (1-5); LaGrange 9-9 (2-5)

LAGRANGE, GA - The Lions picked up their first conference victory of the 2026 season against the LaGrange Panthers by a final score of 85-84.

Piedmont used a strong second half to launch themselves into the lead and hang on for the win to start their weekend road trip.

LaGrange came out to a large lead in the first half, including a 16-9 run to send them to the locker room. Fisher Darden led the Lions on the court in the first half with help from Israel Hall, as the two kept the Lions afloat.

The Lions would waste no time in the second half as they raced out on an 18-8 run and stole the lead from the Panthers. The two squads would trade the lead back and forth throughout the rest of the game until the final four minutes of the half, when the Lions would look to wrap the game up with a nine-point lead while still scoring.

The Panthers, however, would claw back and make things interesting entering the final minutes. With four seconds remaining, Jackson Houston stepped to the free throw line and put up the final free throw of the night and the game winner for the Lions. LaGrange would have one final shot and, as the clock expired, landed a three, but the damage from Houston's shot was done, and Piedmont would escape LaGrange with a one-point victory.

This marked Piedmont's first conference victory of the season as they look to catch fire down the stretch. The win also comes at the start of a crucial road trip for the Lions that will see them play three straight games.

Fisher Darden continues his hot streak as he once again led the Lions with 22 points while making four three-pointers, including a crucial one in the final minute of play. Israel Hall also had a strong game as the junior scored 19 points while shooting 54.5% from the field.

Piedmont will next be in action tomorrow, Feb. 7th, against the Huntingdon Hawks at 5:00 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
- The Lions initial run at the beginning of the second half gave them the lead and led to their momentous victory. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Fisher Darden put up another double-digit performance leading the Lions with 22 points.
- Israel Hall scored 19 putting together a strong night.
- Jackson Houston came alive in the second half with 12 points and the ultimate game winner. 

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.