Demorest, GA - The Greensboro College Men's Basketball team opened up 2023 on the road in Georgia as they faced Piedmont University Tuesday afternoon.  Both teams were looking to start the new year on a winning note, but it would be the Lions who would come out in top, 87-81.

Junior Tim Boulware (Greensboro, NC) put Greensboro on the board as the first half began, but Piedmont quickly tied things up at 2-2.  The lead would change hands on numerous possessions and eventually Piedmont held a 20-16 advantage at the 11:53 mark of the half.  After a timeout, the Pride stepped it up a notch on offense, as Junior Rujon Walters (Kinston, NC) hit a driving layup for the 23-22 lead.  Boulware kept the momentum going and after another Walters basket, Greensboro jumped out to a seven-point advantage.  However, the Lions were able to trim the lead to three points, until Boulware took a pass and drained a three-pointer.  On the next possession Sophomore Grant Thompson (Graham, NC) stole a pass to convert a layup and as the half came to an end, Greensboro would  take the lead into the locker room, 43-35.  

The second half began with a driving layup from Senior Ty Hill (Shallotte, NC) followed by free throws by Junior Isaiah Pruett (Asheville, NC).  However, Piedmont answered with a layup of their own, but failed to convert the three-point play.  On the Pride's next offensive possession, Hill took a pass from Pruett to drain  a three-pointer from the top of the key for the double-digit lead 50-39.  With 15:03 remaining in the game, the Lions cut the lead to 55-48 and then would pull to within five-points.  However, Thompson was able to stop the run with an underneath basket.  Greensboro continued to stay out in front but Piedmont drained a three-pointer to pull to within one-point, 59-58 and eventually took the lead at the 9:35 mark.  The Lions increased their lead to six-points, 67-61 and would eventually push it to double digits.  Unfortunately, the Pride could not amount a comeback and would fall by a final score of 87-81.

Boulware finished the game with a team high 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Junior Matthew Brown (Orlando, FL) added 18 points to go along with his 8 rebounds.  In addition, Hill finished with 12 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists.  Greensboro will be back in action this Saturday at home as they welcome in William Peace University to Hanes Gymnasium.  Tip-off is schedule for 2:00pm.