Despite a furious third quarter rally, Piedmont women’s basketball fell short at Oglethorpe by an 84-77 margin on Tuesday night in Atlanta.
After falling behind by double digits in the first half, the Lions roared back with a big run to start the third quarter. However, Piedmont’s run ran out of steam early in the final quarter, as the Stormy Petrels regained control and closed out the win.
For the third consecutive game, junior Hayley Borino delivered a new career high in scoring, pouring in 21 points to lead the Lions on Tuesday while adding five rebounds and three assists. Fellow junior Kelsey Banks also tallied a career-high, scoring 15 points and connecting on three three-pointers to join Borino.
Ashley Scott (13), Andelin Hill (11) and Alexandria Willis (10) were also in double figures with Willis contributing her first double double of the season, grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking four shots in the loss.
The back-and-forth nature of the game began early, with Piedmont leading 9-2 in the early going before Oglethorpe immediately responded with a 14-2 run of its own to lead 16-11.
While the Stormy Petrels took a five-point edge into the second quarter, they were able to extend the lead out to double digits, leading by 14 at the halftime break.
However, the Lions were undeterred, using 17-2 run to begin the second half, taking a 53-52 lead on a pair of Banks free throws with 3:32 left in the third quarter.
But once again, the Stormy Petrels fought back, with an 8-1 run to end the period before continuing the momentum into the fourth quarter.
This time, the Lions were unable to come back, as Oglethorpe iced the game away in the final minutes.
Up next, Piedmont will be back in action this weekend, battling Sewanee this Saturday, November 16 at 1 p.m. in the CCS / SAA Classic.
TURNING POINT:
– After Piedmont retook the lead late in the third quarter, the Stormy Petrels responded by winning the final quarter, 22-19, to take the win.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– The junior backcourt of Banks and Borino again packed a scoring punch for the Lions.
– Borino delivered 21 points, another career high and the first 20+ point performance of her career.
– Banks added a new career-high 15 points and made three three-pointers.
– Reigning CCS Rookie of the Year Willis delivered a 10-point, 10-rebound, 4-block performance.
