ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. – Parris Scales recorded the game-winning layup with 5 seconds left as the Pride men's basketball team defeated Piedmont College 77-75 in the opening round of the USA South Athletic Conference Tournament.
 
Greensboro (16-10) used a 7-0 run to gain a 7-2 lead. Hamilton Hawkins opened the run for the Pride before Simeon Howard capped it off with an old-fashioned three-point play.
 
Piedmont then tied the game at 11 before pulling out in front 25-18.
 
After the Lions established their largest lead at 44-35, Greensboro pulled within seven by haftime.
 
Piedmont held onto its advantage until the Pride went on a 17-7 run to pull out in front 61-58. David Leaman, who tied his career-high 10 points, jumpstarted the run before Howard tailed nine points, while Hawkins and Zedric Barnett added at least one point each.
 
"I was very proud of David (Leaman) today as he was a huge spark off the bench," Head Coach Bryan Galuski said.
 
The Pride then extended their margin to five before the Lions tied the game once again at 70.
 
With Greensboro leading by three, Justin Vallejo drained a long three-pointer to tie the game before Scales put the Pride on top for good.
 
Piedmont had one final look to send the game into overtime, but the layup at the buzzer rimmed out.
 
"We found a way to win today," Galuski said. "We have to be better tomorrow, but I am excited we are advancing. This was a team win"
 
Howard recorded a team-high 18 points, while Joseph Gatling joined Leaman with 10 points. Gatling, Scales, and Donavan Griffith each pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.
 
The Pride men will return to action at 5 p.m. Friday when they take on the second- seeded Scots of Covenant College in the tournament semifinals. For more information on Greensboro College men's basketball, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.