Friday, February 23rd, 2007

Men's Basketball Season Ends With Heartbreaking 102-97 OT Loss To LaGrange In GSAC Semifinals

The Piedmont College men's basketball team had its 2006-07 season come to a heartbreaking end as the Lions dropped a 102-97 overtime decision to LaGrange College in the Great South Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals this afternoon in LaGrange, GA. The loss ends the Lions' season with a 13-13 overall record.

Second-seeded LaGrange jumped out to a 14-point lead with a 22-6 run en route to a 31-17 lead with 5:41 remaining in the first half. The Lions would stage a late run of their own, ending the half with a 12-4 run to close their deficit to within two, 37-35 at the half. Jake Baldwin would lead that run and close the half with 14 points and four rebounds.

After a lay-up by Leon Williams put the Panthers up 51-49 with 14:23 to go, the Lions staged a run and controlled most of the second half with their incredible outside shooting, hitting one three after another and would go on a 21-9 run to give PC its biggest lead of the game, 79-71 with 3:26 to go and seemed in control of the game.

The quick-strike Panthers reponded with an 8-0 run to tie the game at 79 with only 2:48 to go. PC's Tyler Whitlock would convert one of two free throw attempts with :21 seconds left go give the Lions a 84-81 advantage

After LC missed the first-three point attempt, Williams grabbed the offensive rebound and kicked the ball to Robby Lawrence who drained the equalizing three-pointer as time expired.

The overtime period would be all LaGrange as Piedmont would have three players foul out and the Panthers would control the extra period.

Piedmont ends its season at 13-13. They were led by GSAC Co-Player of the Year, Jake Baldwin, who led five Lions in double-figures with 24 points, four rebounds, and four steals. He was followed by Whitlock with 16 points and seven rebounds. Jake Green and Mike Adams added 15 points apiece while teammate Michael Rubio chipped in with 11 points.