DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont women’s basketball used a strong second half defensive effort and 18 points from Ashley Scott to take down Maryville, 58-51, at Cave Arena Thursday night.
The Lions used a potent offensive attack in the early going to gain the lead, and the defense held the Scots to just five fourth quarter points to hold on for the win.
Back on track 👏👏
Maryville ✅ pic.twitter.com/sdMb0fiVx8
— Piedmont WBB (@PiedmontWBB) February 16, 2024
Scott led the Lions with 18 points on six made field goals, including two first half three-pointers to help Piedmont build the lead. The senior from Flowery Branch then iced the game, going 4-of-4 from the free throw line late. The only other Lion to reach double figures was Colby Reed, who scored all 11 of her points in the first half on three three-pointers.
The senior shooting guard was clutch down the stretch!
Hear from Ashley Scott after the big win over Maryville 🎤 pic.twitter.com/sm56i7Uohq
— Piedmont WBB (@PiedmontWBB) February 16, 2024
Alexandria Willis had a big game in the paint, grabbing a team-high 12 rebounds and adding eight points as well.
Maryville’s Courtney Carruthers was the only Scot in double figures, as she scored 27 points with the next highest on the team adding five.
Piedmont jumped out to an early advantage thanks to the hot shooting from Scott and Reed and led by double digits late in the first quarter.
The Lions pushed the lead to 30-16 early in the second before the Scots found their footing. Even so, Hayley Borino converted on a couple of free throws in the final seconds of the first half to give Piedmont a 38-27 edge at the break.
The Piedmont offense went cold in the third quarter as Maryville clawed back into the contest. Carruthers’ layup with 11 seconds to go in the third quarter cut Piedmont’s lead to 50-46.
The game remained at 50-46 as neither side could find a basket for over six minutes of play in the final quarter. The scoreless drought was broken by a Willis layup with 3:55 to play. The Scots were able to get within three at 54-51, but Scott was clutch down the stretch, knocking down four straight free throws in the final minute to seal the win.
Up next, the Lions will play host to Berea, which enters the contest unbeaten in CCS play. Tipoff is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 17, at 2 p.m., with Senior Day festivities to follow the game.
TURNING POINT:
– Piedmont held Maryville scoreless for almost seven minutes to start the fourth quarter to thwart the comeback attempt.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Scott tallied 18 points and sealed the game at the line late.
– After a big time performance in the home finale last season against Maryville, Reed haunted the Scots again, going for 11 first half points to help the Lions build the lead.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
– Piedmont never trailed in the contest.
