The Piedmont Lions aren’t exactly where they want to be yet, at just 4-6 overall, but a convincing 81-67 win over in-state rivals Oglethorpe University might be just want the men needed.
The Lions lost a heartbreaker to Ferrum College on a late step-back 3-pointer December 18, dropping Piedmont to 0-2 in USA South play. The loss was a tough pill to swallow, as the Lions led by one when the triple was hit with three seconds left. However, the win over Oglethorpe helps right the ship.
The Lions are 4-6 overall and 0-2 in conference play, and have played just two home games thusfar. Piedmont returns to the court January 3 against Sewanee: University of the South, which opens a stretch of three consecutive home games, including two USA South games against Huntingdon and LaGrange within in four-day span.
While the men have had some success on the road (3-5), they welcome the home-heavy second half of the schedule, with nine home games left opposed to just six on the road from here on out.
The Lions are fortunate to have many players that can step up and lead this team any given night. Five players average double figures in points, led by Justin Vallejo (15.2 pts per game) and Chase England (13.8). Peyton Luken (10.4), Kelly Assinesi (10.2) and Trae Gaines (10.0) also average over ten points per game.
Vallejo is a double-double threat every night, also hauling in 9.1 rebounds per game. England, Luken and Gaines are deep-ball threats who shoot the three often.
