DEMOREST, Ga. — The Lions flew high on Saturday afternoon as they defeated the Tigers by 16, led by a season-high 20 points from junior Israel Hall.
Piedmont shot well and early as they garnered a presence on the offense all afternoon.
Sewanee would land the first shots, but great defense from the Lions kept the Tigers’ shooters off balance to start the game. Piedmont would battle the Tigers to a tie at 4-4 until going on a 14-4 run in just three minutes. The early onslaught was led by Israel Hall, who landed three three-pointers in the first half, aiding the Lions’ big lead. Behind Hall, the Lions had big first-half performances from Grady Robertson and Javi Marlowe.
Going into the locker room, the Lions held a comfortable 15-point lead over the Tigers. Piedmont did not relent entering the second half, as they paced a 9-4 run in the early minutes. Sewanee didn’t back down, however, as Nikolas Availiani became a force for the Tigers that the Lions would have to compete with for the remainder of the game.
With just over 10 minutes left, Sewanee trailed only by seven, but the lead that the Lions built in the first half came up big as it ultimately stifled the rallying Tigers. In the closing minutes, Hall picked up his third steal and delivered with an emphatic dunk to officially put the game away as Piedmont would come away with a big 96-80 win.
Israel Hall led the team with 20 points, but hot on his heels was Javi Marlowe, who finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double. Marlowe didn’t have the only double-double performance, as freshman Parker Renault continues to impress, picking up 14 points with 13 rebounds.
Next, the Lions will head on the road to face off against DI Charleston Southern on Nov. 25th.
TURNING POINT:
– The Lions first half performance which became the ultimate difference maker.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
– Israel Hall went 4-7 from three in route to a 20 point game.
– Both Javi Marlowe and Parker Renault had double double performances.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
– The Lions turned the ball over just eight times in the contest.
