DEMOREST, Ga. – The Berea College men's basketball team gave up 50 points in the second half as they fall 81-53 to Piedmont University (Ga.) on Saturday afternoon.

The loss drops the Mountaineers to 6-13 overall and 2-6 in USA South Conference play. In their conference games, the Lions improve to 8-12 overall and 3-5 in conference action.

Junior guard Isaac Caudill shot 42.8 percent (six-for-14) overall and converted four three-pointers for a team-high 18 points with five rebounds. Freshman guard Trey Minter chipped in 16 points while hitting all four of his free throws.

The Mountaineers battled early as they kept the contest to within five points for the majority of the first half. It was a well-balanced first 20 minutes for Berea as five different Mountaineers recorded points. Minter and freshman guard Marquis Mackey led the first half scoring for Berea with nine and seven points, respectively as the Mountaineers trailed 31-26 going into halftime.

The Lions began the second half with a 6-2 run as it seemed like they were about to take a double-digit lead. Back-to-back three-pointers by Caudill pulled the Mountaineers closer as it ignited an 8-0 run with Berea trailing 39-36 with 14:47 left in the game. However, Piedmont quickly took control of the game, scoring the next 12 points of the contest to take a 15-point lead. The Mountaineers continued to fight but the deficit was too much to overcome as Berea would eventually fall 81-53 to the Lions.

The Berea College men's basketball team looks to return to the win column on Monday as they travel to face Covenant College (Ga.). Tipoff for that contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. in Lookout Mountain, Ga.