Box Score Scots Fall 74-62; Jones Career-High 21
DEMOREST, Ga. – Preseason choice Piedmont held serve in the first big Western Division matchup between these two perennial contenders for the USA South. The Lions prevailed 74-62 over Maryville.
The Scots were picked right behind Piedmont after these two battled it out for championship honors last season. The Lions claimed the regular season title before Maryville went to Demorest and snatched the Western Division tournament crown to end the Covid-shortened campaign.
On this night, however, Piedmont forced Maryville into 25 turnovers and used that wave to post a 35-6 edge in points-off-turnovers. The Lions pulled away from a 17-17 tie after one quarter, scoring the first nine points of the second stanza and never trailing again.
Hannah Jones picked up where she left off Saturday with a career-high 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting to go with nine rebounds. Jones missed by one board of her second straight double-double. She scored 19 points to go with 14 rebounds in the heartbreaking loss to Covenant.
Jones through four USA South games this season leads the team in shooting at 71.0 percent and is second in scoring at 13.5.
Heifner Returns to Court
Courtney Carruthers and Jordan Heifner scored 13 points apiece Tuesday night, with Heifner able to play 19 minutes. The sophomore guard was on the floor for just 10 minutes Saturday before an injury ended her day, so the Scots were happy to welcome her return to at least limited action.
The Scots trailed by as many as 11 points on two occasions in the second quarter before Heifner sank a pair of free throws to make it a 40-31 Piedmont lead at intermission.
Piedmont in the third quarter built its lead to 55-38 on Livia Skinner's layup with 2:37 showing. Meredith Ward knocked down a 3-pointer for Maryville and Carruthers followed suit, pulling the Scots within 57-45 heading to the fourth.
The teams then matched points for the second quarter of this game at 17-17 as Piedmont improved to 6-2 overall and 2-0 in the USA South. Maryville is 2-6 overall and 1-3 in conference.
Skinner led all scorers with 24 points. Teammate Hope Franklin scored 14 and grabbed 11 boards.
Maryville is in action again Dec. 15 at home against Centre. The Scots are vying for a season sweep of the Colonels after winning 63-52 in Danville back before Thanksgiving.
