NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 70, LaGrange 60
Records: Piedmont, 9-10 (6-4 CCS); LaGrange, 13-7 (9-2 CCS)

LaGRANGE, Ga. - Piedmont women's basketball surged past LaGrange, 70-60, to grab a critical CCS road win on Friday evening in LaGrange, Georgia.

Playing what will be their first of three road games in three days across three different states, the Lions proved ready for the challenge, jumping out to an early lead over the Panthers and then pulling away with a strong fourth quarter to seal the victory.

The win returns the favor, as the Panthers defeated the Lions in the CCS opener back on Dec. 6 at Cave Arena. This also marks Piedmont's third consecutive win, with two of the three coming against teams at the top of the league standings.

Once again, Kylie Watkins stole the show for Piedmont, leading the way offensively with 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting. The six-time CCS Rookie of the Week also contributed in other areas, grabbing seven rebounds to go with two assists, two steals and two blocks. Fellow freshman Lily Conkell gave the Lions key backcourt production, scoring a season-best 13 points and also dishing out a season-high with eight assists. Conkell was a force from beyond the arc as well, connecting on 3-of-5 from deep to lead the team.

Elsewhere, senior Hayley Borino and junior Alexandria Willis reached double figures, with Borino going a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line and Willis finishing a rebound shy of another doublle double performance.

After falling behind 7-4 in the early going, the Lions proceeded to rip off a quick 11-0 run to retake the momentum and lead 19-12 after the opening quarter.

While LaGrange was able to steady itself in the second and third quarters, Piedmont still entered the final quarter leading by four points. The Panthers were quickly able to cut the Piedmont lead to 50-48 just under two minutes into the fourth quarter. However, the Lions were undeterred, responding with an 11-0 run punctuated by back-to-back steals and layups from Watkins.

From that point forward, the Panthers were unable to move their deficit inside of nine points as the Lions iced the game.

Up next, the Lions' grueling road trip continues, as they head to Alabama to battle Huntingdon tomorrow, Feb. 7 at 3 p.m. (ET).

TURNING POINT:
- Piedmont used an 11-0 run in the first quarter to grab control of the contest. From there, the Lions held the lead the rest of the way.

STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- Watkins put on a remarkably efficient offensive display, scoring 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting along with seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
- Conkell delivered season highs in points (13), assists (8) and three-pointers made (3).

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont took advantage of its trips to the free throw line, converting on 19-of-21 for the game.

HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont University Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on X @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook.