2008 Woodie Awards
Lions lose close one to LaGrange
Piedmont evens GSAC record to 1-1 with 86-81 loss
by Andy House
Issue date: 1/28/08 Section: Sports
The Piedmont College men's basketball team fell to the LaGrange Panthers by the score of 86-81 on Jan. 26.
The Lions led for much of the game, entering halftime up 44-40. But they could not hold off LaGrange, whose rebounding and free throw shooting played a vital role in the Great South Athletic Conference match-up.
Despite opening the game on a 17-5 run, Piedmont could not pull away.
With LaGrange winning the rebounding battle 46-24 and hitting 23 of 32 free throws, they were able to catch up to the Lions.
LaGrange grabbed their first lead, at 69-68, with eight minutes remaining in the game.
From there, solid free throw shooting and defense made the difference.
After the score was knotted at 81-81, LaGrange made five unanswered free throws to seal the game.
Four Lions were in double figures, with 28 points from senior Jake Baldwin leading the way.
Senior Jake Green also contributed 12 points and five assists.
The loss takes the Lions to 10-8 overall, and drops them to a 1-1 GSAC record.
As the season winds down, the Lions look to position themselves in the conference as they prepare to host the GSAC tournament.
With only seven regular season games remaining, four of them at home, every game becomes more significant.
The senior-laden team continues its quest for its first GSAC regular season title.
The men return to action on Jan. 31 as they play host to Toccoa Falls College.
Piedmont's next GSAC game is Feb. 2 against Maryville College at home.
The Lions led for much of the game, entering halftime up 44-40. But they could not hold off LaGrange, whose rebounding and free throw shooting played a vital role in the Great South Athletic Conference match-up.
Despite opening the game on a 17-5 run, Piedmont could not pull away.
With LaGrange winning the rebounding battle 46-24 and hitting 23 of 32 free throws, they were able to catch up to the Lions.
LaGrange grabbed their first lead, at 69-68, with eight minutes remaining in the game.
From there, solid free throw shooting and defense made the difference.
After the score was knotted at 81-81, LaGrange made five unanswered free throws to seal the game.
Four Lions were in double figures, with 28 points from senior Jake Baldwin leading the way.
Senior Jake Green also contributed 12 points and five assists.
The loss takes the Lions to 10-8 overall, and drops them to a 1-1 GSAC record.
As the season winds down, the Lions look to position themselves in the conference as they prepare to host the GSAC tournament.
With only seven regular season games remaining, four of them at home, every game becomes more significant.
The senior-laden team continues its quest for its first GSAC regular season title.
The men return to action on Jan. 31 as they play host to Toccoa Falls College.
Piedmont's next GSAC game is Feb. 2 against Maryville College at home.
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