The homestanding Lions were in a zone, shooting a sizzlin’ 63 percent from the field. That included a whopping 69 percent from the field in the second half and 59 percent from 3-point range for the game.
Methodist led early 13-8 behind two 3-point baskets from Eugene Grant. However, Piedmont took control with a 20-5 run over the next five minutes. Jake Baldwin’s two free throws gave the Lions a 28-18 lead with 9:48 remaining in the first half. Piedmont three times built an 18-point lead in the first half, with two free throws by Brent Walker making the Lion lead 52-34 with 1:13 remaining.
However, Methodist freshman forward Chris Mark scored seven straight points, trimming the Piedmont lead to 52-41 at halftime.
The closest Methodist cut the deficit in the second half was eight points as Sam Porter’s lay-up gave Piedmont a 58-50 lead with 15:16 remaining. But the Lions responded with an 8-0 run to put the game virtually out of reach. The Lions’ largest lead was 23 points, 97-74 with 3:37 remaining.
Grant and Seth Thomas each scored 23 points for Methodist, while Mark scored 12 points and Robert Lee added 10 points. For Piedmont, Baldwin and David Adcock each scored 25 points, followed by Michael Adams with 16 points. Caleb Baker scored 12 points and Jake Green added 10 points.
Methodist is off for the holiday season. The Monarchs return to action on Jan. 3 at 2 p.m., playing host to 22nd-ranked Virginia Wesleyan at the Riddle Center.