For the first time since joining the USA South, the Piedmont College women’s basketball team claimed the conference tournament title in a rematch from a year ago against Maryville College 58-44 on the Scots’ home court.
CARLIE SHIELDS earned Tournament MVP honors posting a 21-point performance including 15 points in the second half.
The Lady Lions led 11-8 after the first quarter and had their largest lead of the game at five points with 7:26 to play till the half. The Scots went on a run scoring three straight 3-pointers to take the lead 19-17 but PC regained the lead just before the half when DAKOTA SULLENS hit a layup with six seconds remaining to lead 22-21.
The third quarter was when PC stepped on the gas scoring 20 points after having just 22 at the half. Piedmont built a seven point lead after a 3-pointer by BRIDGETTE KELLY and a layup by Shields to lead 36-29 and extended it to a nine point lead 42-33 to end the third quarter.
Shields added another three points to start the fourth quarter, but the Scots began an 11-0 run to cut the lead to a single point 45-44 with 4:47 to play. From that point on, the Lady Lions’ stingy defense would shut down the Scots and hold them scoreless to close out the game while Piedmont scored 13 over the final 4:30 of the contest to seal the title.
The title is the first for Piedmont since the 2010-11 season when PC earned the GSAC crown and advanced to the NCAA Tournament.
Turning Point
–Piedmont held Maryville scoreless over the final 4:30 of the contest while making a 13-0 run to close out the championship.
Standout Performances
—CARLIE SHIELDS was named Tournament MVP after scoring 21 points in the tournament final on Saturday.
Inside the Box Score
–The Lady Lions dominated the third quarter outscoring the Scots 20-12 as the third quarter has statistically been the Lady Lions’ best of the year outscoring opponents 531-390.
News & Notes
–The tournament title is the first conference crown for PC since the 2010-11 season when the Lady Lions earned the GSAC crown and made the NCAA Tournament.
–Piedmont is now 18-2 this season when leading at the half after leading 22-21 at the break.
Up Next
–Piedmont awaits the NCAA Selection Show to find out their destination in the NCAA Tournament.
How to Follow
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.
