DEMOREST, GA – The Greensboro College Pride men's basketball team continued USA South Athletic Conference play on Friday night when they traveled to take on the Lions of Piedmont College. Greensboro came out strong early but it was not enough as they fell by an 84-76 margin.
With the Pride trailing, 5-2, just three minutes into the game, Greensboro College was able to storm into the lead at 12-5 following a 10-0 run just two minutes later. Joseph Gatling got the big run started for the Pride when he connected on his first of two baskets from long range in the half to tie the game before Simeon Howard gave Greensboro the seven point lead at 12-5 with five straight points.
Piedmont was then able to pull to within three points at 15-12 later in the half, but the Pride once again was able to extend their lead back out to seven at 19-12. However, the margin would not hold up as the Lions came back to tie the game at 30-30 just five minutes later.
After Piedmont tied the game, Greensboro connected on two long range shots on consecutive possessions to pull in front 36-30.
Following the six point run, Greensboro was able to maintain their lead going into the half up 41-36.
The Pride opened the second half of play on another 6-0 run, but they were not able to hold off the Lions falling by the twelve point margin.
"To win road games you need to play tough defense and rebound," Pride Head Coach Bryan Galuski said following the game. "I felt we only did one of those things today. We have to become a better defensive team moving forward. On Wednesday night we have another tough road game, so hopefully we can learn from today's performance."
Greensboro's Simeon Howard led all scorers on the day with 26 points while Joseph Gatling (16 points) and Raheem Martin (14 points) also recorded double figures. Howard also pulled down a team high nine rebounds in the game for the Pride.
Marquise Lanier paced the Lions with 19 points on the night.
With the loss, the Pride men fall to 9-6 overall on the season and 2-2 in the USA South Athletic Conference. The Greensboro College men will return to action on Wednesday, January 21, 2015 when they take the short tip up Highway 29 to take on the Cougars of Averett University. The first tip is set for 7:00 PM.
