Box Score DEMOREST, Ga. (Jan. 7, 2014) – A strong second-half rally helped host Piedmont to a 58-55 win over the Sewanee men's basketball team, Tuesday, inside Cave Arena.
In the first half, the Tigers jumped out to a 13-5 lead after limiting the Lions to only one field goal over the first 10 minutes of action.
As the half continued, Piedmont would finally respond. The Lions eventually pulled to within one, 16-15, after a 10-3 run began when Jordyn Propst scored back-to-back jumpers.
Over the final three minutes of the half, Sewanee would slowly extend its lead. Marcellus Caldwell and Keshonn Carter each scored four points during that stretch, which helped the Tigers lead by five, 24-19, at halftime.
The lead would stay around five points over the first minutes of the second half. A three by Caldwell, and two free throws by Seth Brown, made the score 35-30 with 15:10 left.
With both teams playing eventually early in the half, Piedmont's offense would finally catch fire over the next seven minutes. The Lions used an 18-5 run to take a 48-40 lead with 8:23 to play.
Sewanee then responded with a 6-0 spurt, which pulled the Tigers to within a possession with 6:43 to go.
Down the stretch, both teams continued to trade scores. With 1:27 left, Carter cut the Tiger deficit to two, 55-53.
After a free throw by Piedmont's Brian Edwards, Jorden Williams made two free throws for Sewanee which made the score 56-55 with only 23 seconds left.
After both teams called timeout, Safari Smith sealed the victory for Piedmont with a layup with 17 seconds left.
Williams would attempt a game-tying three with two seconds remaining, however the shot hit the backboard and missed.
Overall, Sewanee made 38.3 percent of its attempts. The Tigers also committed an uncharacteristic 15 turnovers.
Despite the miscues, Sewanee stayed in the game behind its strong defense. The Tigers limited Piedmont to a 39.7 field goal percentage. Sewanee also grabbed 26 defensive rebounds, which held Piedmont to only six second-chance points.
Individually, Williams led all scorers with a game-high 18 points. Carter also finished in double figures with 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
Alton Honors II and Edwards led Piedmont with 12 points each.
After stepping out of Southern Athletic Association (SAA) play Tuesday, Sewanee returns to conference action this weekend. The Tigers will open a four-game homestand against league rival Birmingham-Southern, Friday. That contest is schedule to begin at 8:00 p.m., inside Juhan Gymnasium.
For more information on Sewanee Athletics, please visit www.SewaneeTigers.com. You can also check the Tigers out on Twitter and Facebook.
