DEMOREST, Ga. -- The Methodist men's basketball team was held to 39.7 percent shooting in dropping an 84-68 contest at Piedmont on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Monarchs (14-10, 8-5 USA South) were held under 40.0 percent shooting for just the fifth time this season, and Piedmont (13-10, 7-5) rallied from a four-point deficit, outscoring MU 56-36 in the second half, to pick up the win.
 
Leading 30-20 late in the first half, MU saw the Lions close the period on an 8-2 run to pull within 32-28 at the break. In the second half, Piedmont opened play on with a 14-6 burst to take a 42-38 lead on Chase England's layup at the 13:08 mark.
 
Jabari Brown answered with a jumper for the Monarchs to make it 42-40 as the clock ticked under 12 minutes, but a 22-11 burst for Piedmont followed as the Lions took a 63-51 lead with 5:18 to play. The Lions hit 9 of 10 shots during the run and would eventually push their lead to as many as 18 points down the stretch.
 
For the game, the Monarchs hit 27 of 68 shots from the floor and pulled down 36 rebounds. Piedmont countered at an even 50.0 percent (29-58) and had 37 rebounds. The Lions also got the line 21 times, converting 20 attempts (.952) while MU was 10 of 13 (.769) at the stripe.
 
Blake Davis led the Monarchs with a career-high 23 points on 9 of 13 shooting. Davion Ayabarreno added 13 points and three steals, and Rae Hall chipped in nine points and nine rebounds.
 
Justin Vallejo led Piedmont with 21 points and seven rebounds. Peyton Luken added 19 points, and Trae Gaines had 17 points, five boards and four assists.
 
Methodist will wrap up play in the regular season on Wednesday when it hosts N.C. Wesleyan at 7:30 pm.