DEMOREST, Ga. – The Millsaps men's basketball team put up numbers early and late but were bested by Piedmont, 84-65 inside the Cave Arena on Friday.
 
Millsaps led Piedmont in steals (8-7) and points in the paint (38-24). The Majors also outscored the Lions, 43-42 and shot 57.6 percent (28-of-64) in the second half, but the hosts pulled away late in the opening 20 minutes.
 
Junior Drew Roth shot 8-of-13 from the floor, while setting a career-high with 21 points. He added seven rebounds, three steals and two assists.
 
Freshman Devin Harris also recorded a career-high 11 points and three steals to go along with four rebounds and three assists.
 
Junior Nicholas Ughovwa finished with nine points, one block and three assists while shooting a perfect 4-of-4 from the field.
 
A three-pointer by senior TJ Hogan gave the Majors a 5-2 edge early. Piedmont (6-1) would add up four consecutive three throws, but Roth would use a three-pointer to help regain the lead.
 
A senior Aaron Ursin jump shot would later tie the game at 17-17 with 8:15 to play in the defensive opener.
 
The atmosphere would soon change with the Lions holding a narrow 23-20 lead. Piedmont closed the half on a 19-2 run to take a 42-22 lead at intermission.
 
Midway through the second half Millsaps would continue trailing but a sophomore Rodney Phillips Jr. layup would cut the lead down to 18 points. As the second half wound down, Piedmont claimed the victory, 84-65.
 
The Majors will be back in action on Sunday, hosting Birmingham-Southern at 3 p.m.  inside the Hangar Dome. Live video and live stats will be available at gomajors.com.
 

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the Millsaps men's basketball program follow the Majors on Twitter and Instagram, like Millsaps Majors Athletics on Facebook or visit gomajors.com.