DEMOREST, Ga. -- The Methodist women's basketball team seized a one-point lead at halftime, but Piedmont rallied in the second half to earn a 78-64 win over the Monarchs on Sunday afternoon at Cave Arena.
 
Sydney Bryan had 11 points and seven rebounds in the first half as MU (1-10, 1-4 USA South) held a slim 29-28 edge at the break. After a nearly scoreless four minutes to begin the contest, Piedmont (13-1, 6-0 USA South) found its offensive stride early in the period and raced out to a 16-6 lead at the 10:10 mark. MU answered with a 16-6 run of its own that tied the contest at 22-22 with 6:04 left in the period.
 
On the ensuing possession, Monique Lofton converted a layup that put the Monarchs on top, 24-22, and Methodist maintained the lead into halftime.
 
Piedmont opened the second period with a quick 11-2 spurt that gave the home team a 39-31 lead by the 16:51 mark. The Monarchs settled down and whittled away at Piedmont's lead, pulling within two points (52-50) on a three pointer by Kayla Pless with 9:34 showing on the clock. The Lions, however, put the contest away with a 13-2 run that gave them a 13-point cushion (65-52) with 5:31 to play.
 
Piedmont ended up shooting 49.1 percent from the field (28-57) including 54.8 percent (17-31) in the second half. MU countered with 34.7 percent shooting (26-75) from the floor and made just 6-of-22 three-point attempts. The Lions held a slim 45-42 edge on the glass.
 
Bryan finished with 15 points and 10 boards for her first career double-double, and Pless added 12 points, hitting on 4-of-8 three-point attempts. Ayanna Pegues chipped in 11 points and Alexis Wallace scored 10 to go with seven rebounds. Jasmine Canady had six points and seven assists, and Jalisia Campbell grabbed nine rebounds.
 
For Piedmont, Taylor Swoszowski had 18 points, Carly Sales added 15, and Brianna Barrett (12) and Carlie Shields (10) also reached double figures in scoring. Barrett and Sales each had eight rebounds, and Shields contributed four assists.
 
Methodist is back on the court Wednesday at William Peace beginning at 7:30 pm.