Piedmont Men’s Basketball Opens 2024 Season with Exhibition Loss to Winthrop

Rock Hill, S.C.: Piedmont Men’s Basketball Kicks Off 2024 Season

The Piedmont men’s basketball team opened its 2024 season on Monday night against Winthrop University in an exhibition game held in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The matchup was particularly notable as it featured former Piedmont standout Ryan Jolly, now playing for the Eagles. Despite a determined effort from the Lions, the Eagles pulled ahead in the first half and secured a decisive victory.

Strong Start but Tough Loss for the Lions

The Lions came out strong, holding their ground early in the game. However, Winthrop established momentum midway through the first half, eventually leading to a separation in the score that the Lions could not overcome. Two players from Piedmont managed to score in double figures: Fisher Darden led the team with 15 points and also recorded five rebounds, tying for the team lead in that category. Bailey Wiseman followed closely behind with 12 points, hitting a team-high of three three-pointers.

Eagles Surge Towards Victory

A key moment came just over halfway through the first period when Wiseman’s three-pointer brought the score to 25-22 in favor of Winthrop. However, this would be one of the last bright spots for Piedmont in the first half. The Eagles responded swiftly and vigorously, launching into a dominant run that outscored the Lions 34-11 for the remainder of the half, pushing the score to a commanding position that set the tone for the rest of the game.

Multiple Contributors for Winthrop

The Eagles showcased a balanced offensive attack, with seven players reaching double digits in scoring. Jolly, who played under Piedmont until last season, contributed 15 points on 5-of-8 shooting. His performance, along with the contributions from his teammates, ensured that Winthrop maintained control throughout the game.

Looking Ahead: Next Challenge for the Lions

As the Lions reflect on this season opener, they will turn their attention to their next challenge: a road game against USC Upstate scheduled for Wednesday. This upcoming match will be another opportunity for the team to build on their experiences from the exhibition and set the stage for their regular season.

With the season just beginning and a strong schedule ahead, fans and supporters of Piedmont men’s basketball are encouraged to stay tuned for upcoming games and news related to their team. As the players work to improve and build chemistry on the court, the excitement of what lies ahead will surely keep everyone engaged.

Stay informed and inspired as the Lions continue their season journey. The early lessons learned from this game could prove invaluable for the team moving forward.