DEMOREST, GA – The William Peace University men's basketball team traveled to Piedmont College Saturday afternoon where the Pacers fell, 79-73.

Dakota King's layup with 13 seconds left in the first half gave WPU a 34-33 edge at the break and was the 11th lead change of the game. There were only three more in the second half though, as Piedmont went ahead 43-42 at the 13:40 mark on a Justin Vallejo three-pointer and never trailed again.

Terry Rogers made it 58-57 with five minutes left after a three-point play the old-fashioned way, but the Lions hit their next five shots, sparking a 15-5 run over the next four minutes for their largest lead of the game at 73-62. The Pacers (5-8, 0-2 USAS) hit three triples in the final minute to make it interesting, but Piedmont hit their free-throws down the stretch to salt it away. 

Three Pacers finished in double-figures led by Ryan Emfinger's 18 points and seven rebounds. Chris Thomas finished with 13 points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal, while Nate Strother chipped in with 12 points, one rebound and a blocked shot. Sam Johnson knocked in a pair of threes for six points and brought down a season high 10 rebounds.

Valejo and Chris Meeks led the way for Piedmont (6-5, 1-2 USAS), both posting double-doubles. Valejo scored 18 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.  Meeks finished with 15 points, 13 boards, an assist and three steals.

The WPU men's basketball team will be back on the road this Wednesday, January 13 at 7:00 p.m. against the Cougars of Averett University.

For the latest news and updates from William Peace University Athletics, please visit: http://gopeacepacers.com/.