Written by: Danny Talbert
The Panthers fall to Piedmont 113-106 in a hard fought game.
First half details
The Panthers and Lions both started the second game of the night off strong with some intense basketball. From the start, the two teams were fighting for each rebound, steal and anything else that could help their team get the win. One of the best plays of the half came when Cameron Lyons grabbed a hard offensive rebound through defenders and hit a jump shot over a Lion player. The game stayed close throughout the half but in the final five minutes, the Lions began to pull away. Despite being down 46-37, the Panthers fought back to finish the half down 56-54.
Both teams shot lights out in the first 20 minutes. LC shot 46% from the field and 53% from three and Piedmont hit 56% from the field and 33% from three. Samuel Moss had a team-high 16, shooting 50% in field goals and 57% from beyond the arc.
Second half details
The Lions began the second half off fast, going up 65-56 in the first three minutes. For the second time tonight, the Panthers were able to respond and cut the Lions lead to just 69-63. This is due to LC demanding rebounds and taking smart shots on consecutive series. With 11 minutes remaining, the Panthers trailed 75-72 and the LC bench and fans were fully invested in each play. When Jace Herrell came out of the next time-out and hit a three off a Gabe Cofield pass, the Cave Arena in Demorest, Ga. erupted with cheers. Over the next five minutes, the Panthers trailed but never allowed the Lions to secure a comfortable lead. With the final five left, LC was down 96-86. The Panthers continued to fight, but Piedmont did just enough to win 113-106.
Top Panther performances
Samuel Moss put on another great performance tonight against the Lions. The freshman scored a team-high 25 points, shooting 50% from the field and 44% from three. He also had five rebounds, a pair of blocks and a steal.
Shaun Nichols had another great game tonight. The freshman scored 19 points, shooting an outstanding 67% from the field and 75% from three. He also grabed two rebounds and had three assists.
Next game details
The Panthers stay on the road to face Covenant tomorrow (Jan. 6), at 4 p.m.
