Need to Know
Score: Piedmont 60, Emory 72
Records: Lions 0-1, Eagles 1-0
Location: Atlanta, Georgia - Emory University

Atlanta, GA - After struggling early against preseason #18 Emory University, the Lions used a second-half surge to pull close but dropped the season opener 72-60. The Lions used a 12-0 run in the second half to get back in the game and outscored the Eagles 41-29 in the second half.

After struggling to defend the Eagles from beyond the arc in the first half allowing five three-pointers in the final 10 minutes, the Lions only gave up three from downtown in the second half. The Lions got hot in the second half scoring twice as many points in the second as they did in the first.

Piedmont had just four points in the contest after the first 10 minutes of the game, but CHRIS MEEKS doubled that mark single-handedly with a pair of free throws and a layup as he went on to lead the team with 15 points in the game. KELLY ASSINESI was second on the team with 10 points in his debut in the Green and Gold.

Austin DaGue of the Eagles was the leading scorer in the game with 19 points going 8-of-13 from the floor and 3-of-4 from beyond the arc. DaGue nearly notched a double-double to start the season as he added nine rebounds as well.

Turning Point
--The Eagles got hot from behind the arc with five 3-pointers in the final 10:00 of the first half stretching their lead and taking control of the contest.
--With 11:08 remaining in the game, Piedmont began an impressive 12-0 run over five minutes.

Standout Performances
--CHRIS MEEKS led the team with 15 points in his senior season debut while also leading the team in rebounds with 7.
--KELLY ASSINESI had an impressive beginning to his Piedmont career with 10 points including the final points of the game draining a 3-pointer with just six seconds remaining.

Inside the Box Score
--Piedmont was only able to net three 3-pointers in the contest compared to the Eagles' nine 3-pointers.
--The Lions outscored the Eagles 41-29 in the second half.

News & Notes
--Piedmont trailed by as many as 33 in the second half before cutting that to just 12 in the final seconds.

Up Next
Piedmont will travel to play an exhibition contest against Tennessee Tech on Saturday night before heading back to Atlanta for a match up with Oglethorpe University on November 18 at 7:00 p.m.

How to Follow
To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, Snapchat: @PiedmontLions and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.