The men's basketball team got back in the win column on Tuesday night by knocking off Piedmont College in Demorest, 81-71. The Petrels drilled 12 first half three-pointers en route to opening up a 15 point halftime lead they would not relinquish.

Oglethorpe raced to the 50-35 halftime lead after shooting 53% from the floor and 50% from long distance. The dominant first half was punctuated by a buzzer beating three from sophomore Alec Pitts, one of 5 triples notched by Pitts in the first 20 minutes.

The Petrels built the lead to 21 points in the second half before the Lions rallied to cut it to 7 with 3 minutes remaining. Pitts, however, nailed four consecutive free throws in the final seconds to seal the Oglethorpe victory.

Oglethorpe protected the basketball (only 7 turnovers) and dominated the glass (44-30) to earn the road win over the Lions of the Great South Athletic Conference.

Pitts led the Petrels with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and two steals. Senior Alex Richey netted 13 points and posted team highs in rebounds and assists with 8 and 7, respectively. Todd Ward scored 13 and grabbed 8 boards and Joe Kennedy netted 11 to round out the Petrels in double figures.

Oglethorpe is now 2-1 on the young season and will face Maryville on a neutrral court at Emory this Saturday at 4:00 p.m.