BIRMINGHAM, AL. - The Panthers men's basketball team avenged their previous loss to Piedmont with a big win over Piedmont before conference play resumes. Mr. Double-Double Jay Gillispie led the way for the Panthers with a 20 point, 20 rebound performance.

Both teams got off to slow starts offensively with only 22 combined points after eight minutes of play. After trailing 13-11 with 11:09 remaining in the first half, Kalib Thomas and Brandan Copeland hit back-to-back threes to give the Panthers their first lead since 7-4. The opening half remained tight with 'Southern having a one-point lead with 6:50 remaining. The Panthers then went on a 15-1 run to take complete control of the game. Brandan Copeland and Kaleb Green put in six points each in the run. The Lions trimmed the lead down to seven before halftime, but the Panthers led at the break 40-33.

Piedmont kept their foot on the gas to start the second half with a quick 7-0 run in under three minutes to tie the score. With their backs against the wall, the Panthers looked to regain the lead but could not get going offensively. The Lions led by as many as seven with 12:30 to go. After being outscored 24-10 in the second half, the Panthers needed a run of their own. In a little over two minutes, BSC completed an 11-3 run capped off by a strong Jay Gillispie and-one to regain the lead 61-60. After a Lions three-pointer, Kaleb Green took over the game with eight points including two threes on a 9-0 run by the Panthers. However, the Lions once again stayed in the game and took a one-point lead with 3:38 to go to set up for an exciting final few minutes. With 1:35 left in the second half, two Piedmont free throws gave them an 84-83 lead. On the next possession, sophomore guard Dylan Patrick drove to the rim and finished strong to put BSC up 85-84. The Lions would then go down the floor and miss a three-pointer to give Jay Gillispie his 20th rebound of the game. Needing a bucket, Kaleb Green stepped up with a timely three-point shot to all but solidify the 'Southern win with 28 seconds remaining and an 88-84 lead. BSC would hit their free throws and went on to win on the afternoon 91-86. 

BSC Leaders

Jay Gillispie led the Panthers with 24 points and 21 rebounds on 8-11 shooting. Kaleb Green had a stellar offensive display with 22 points, and Brandan Copeland was key with 16 points and five assists.

Final Score: BSC 91, Piedmont 86

Records
Birmingham-Southern (6-6) (0-1 SAA), Piedmont (8-3) (0-0 CCS)

Up next
The Panthers will resume conference play on Tuesday, Jan. 2 at 5:00 p.m. against Millsaps.