BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Piedmont University men’s basketball team was in a battle Saturday against Birmingham-Southern, with the Panthers emerging victorious 91-86.
There were 17 lead changes in this back-and-forth battle, but in the end, the Panthers were able to convert inside the final 30 seconds.
With just under 30 seconds remaining Piedmont trailed by four, looking for Bailey Wiseman on the wings. Ryan Jolly was able to drive the lane and cut the lead to two with 16 seconds to play.
A quick foul put the Panthers on the line and both fell for BSC, proving to be the difference and put this one away. The Lions missed a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession while BSC hit 1-of-2 from the line to seal the five-point victory.
In the first half, Piedmont trailed by as many as 15 but cut it to seven at the half to trail 40-33. The Lions tied it up at 40 out of the half and claimed the lead with 16:40 remaining.
Piedmont increased its lead to seven 57-50 with 12:30 on the clock, but from that point on, momentum swung in favor of the Panthers. Piedmont regained the lead inside the final four minutes of play but was unable to close it out.
Up next, the Lions will head to Greensboro College to face the Pride on Tuesday, January 2 at 4 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
–Birmingham-Southern was able to outscore Piedmont 8-2 down the stretch for the victory.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
–Ryan Jolly led Piedmont with 20 points while Fisher Darden added 19.
–BSC’s Jay Gillespie put up impressive numbers with 24 points and 21 rebounds against the Lions.
NEWS AND NOTES:
–In total, there were 17 lead changes and 11 ties in the game.
