LAGRANGE, Ga. – The Piedmont women’s basketball team could not close it out on Saturday in a 74-71 overtime loss to LaGrange. The Lions led by as many as nine in the fourth quarter, including with three minutes remaining in regulation, but the Panthers prevailed late.
It was as even a competition as you could script, with the two teams knotted at 21 after the first quarter and tied at 33 at the half. Piedmont held a three point advantage after the third quarter and led by as many as nine multiple times in the fourth.
The Panthers were able to respond, however, down the stretch and forced overtime. The Lions led by three in the opening minutes of overtime, but fouls proved costly as eight of LaGrange’s 12 points in overtime came from the free thow line.
One of LaGrange’s two baskets from the floor in overtime came off a stolen inbounds pass that was driven for a fastbreak layup to put the Panthers up 72-69. Colby Reed hit a mid-range jumper, but that was the last bucket Piedmont would manage.
The Lions made three 3-pointers in the contest to LaGrange’s six, but they outshot the Panthers from the floor 44% to 34%.
Up next, Piedmont will be in action at home against Maryville on Thursday, February 15 at 5 p.m.
TURNING POINT:
–LaGrange used a 9-0 run in the final three minutes of regulation to gain momentum and force overtime.
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
—Ashley Scott led the Lions with 20 points while Andelin Hill added 16 off the bench.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
–The Lions have now lost three straight in conference play with two of those coming by a combined four points.
