DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont men’s basketball team’s comeback fell short on Sunday against Emory in a 91-83 loss in the season opener. The Lions held the lead at the break, 36-34 but were outscored by 10 in the second half.
Ryan Jolly was once again the superstar for Piedmont as he scored 33 points, including going 12 of 14 from the free-throw line. Joe Helenbrook snagged eight rebounds, while Jolly and Jeremiah Carter-Johnson added seven boards each.
Piedmont was hot out of the gate, taking a 7-0 lead, but it was quickly a 10-9 lead for the Eagles. The Lions rallied back to lead by eight in the first half but went into the break up by two, 36-34.
A fast break 3-pointer by Ben Pearce put Emory back on top 44-42 and while the Lions tied the game at 49, Piedmont did not regain the lead in the game.
Emory led by as many as 11 with 7:56 to play, but Piedmont was only able to cut the deficit to two, 83-81, thanks to a 3-pointer by Noah Reardon with 2:05 remaining.
From 4:53-2:05, Piedmont made five 3-pointers to cut into the lead but it was not enough late in the contest.
Piedmont is back in action at home on Tuesday facing Warren Wilson at 7 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
–The game was tied at 49 with 13:48 remaining before the Eagles made a 7-0 run to distance themselves from the Lions.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
–Ryan Jolly contributed 33 points in the season opener to lead all scorers.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
–Emory had five players score in double figures, led by Ben Pearce, with 20 points.
