DEMOREST, Ga. - LaGrange took Piedmont to overtime before falling 58-52 in USA South West Division game Friday night in Cave Arena. The Panthers fell to 8-13 overall and 2-8 in conference play. The Lady Lions, 19-3, stayed tied with Maryville for the top spot in the division with a 10-2 record.
"I was very pleased with our effort tonight. We once again played so hard and showed so much heart," said Coach Lee Buchanan. "It's disappointing that this team can't find a way to get into the win column. To take one of the best teams in our league into overtime says something about our grit and determination. We have a short turnaround and play tomorrow afternoon."
Lauren Johnson led LC with a game-high 18 points. Marilauren Farr had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The game was tied seven times and the lead changed hands 13 times. Piedmont led 24-21 at halftime. The Panthers trailed 47-43 with 1:06 left in regulation. Johnson made a pair of free throws to make it a two-point game, then sent the game into overtime with a layup with just two seconds left.
In the overtime, the Lady Lions never trailed, building a seven-point lead with 1:37 remaining. Johnson drew the Panthers within four, 54-50, with a layup and making the second of two free throws. It would be as close as LC would get.
The Panthers play at Agnes Scott in a USA South game Saturday.
