NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Emory 91, Piedmont 83
Records: Piedmont, 0-1; Emory 1-0

DEMOREST, Ga. - The Piedmont men's basketball team's comeback fell short on Sunday against Emory in a 91-83 loss in the season opener. The Lions held the lead at the break 36-34 but were outscored by 10 in the second half. 

Ryan Jolly was once again the superstar for Piedmont as he scored 33 points including going 12-of-14 from the free throw line. Joe Helenbrook snagged eight rebounds while Jolly and Jeremiah Carter-Johnson added seven boards each.

Piedmont was hot out of the gate taking a 7-0 lead but it was quickly a 10-9 lead for the Eagles. The Lions rallied back to lead by eight in the first half but went into the break up by two, 36-34.

A fast break 3-pointer by Ben Pearce put Emory back on top 44-42 and while the Lions tied the game at 49, Piedmont did not regain the lead in the game. 

Emory led by as many as 11 with 7:56 to play, but Piedmont was only able to cut the deficit to two, 83-81, thanks to a 3-pointer by Noah Reardon with 2:05 remaining. 

From 4:53-2:05, Piedmont made five 3-pointers to cut into the lead but it was not enough late in the contest. 

Piedmont is back in action at home on Tuesday facing Warren Wilson at 7 p.m.

TURNING POINT:
--The game was tied at 49 with 13:48 remaining before the Eagles made a 7-0 run to distance themselves from the Lions. 

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
--Ryan Jolly contributed 33 points in the season opener to lead all scorers.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
--Emory had five players score in double-figures led by Ben Pearce with 20 points. 

HOW TO FOLLOW:
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