The Emory men's basketball team made a successful start to the 2017-18 season Wednesday evening by defeating Piedmont College at the Woodruff PE Center.  The Eagles raised the program's all-time record in season-opening games to 21-11 following an 83-64 decision over the Lions.

Senior Adam Gigax led five Emory double-figure scorers with 15 points while freshman Romin Williams came off the bench to lead all reserves with 14 points.  Junior Beau Bommarito aided in the victory totaling a career-high tying 13 points, sinking six-of-11 from the floor.  Junior Geberal Baitey and senior Christopher Avant each chipped in 10 points with Avant tying for game honors with 11 rebounds, his sixth career effort with double figures in that category.  Senior Whit Rapp came up with nine assists, eight boards and three steals.

Emory hit 40.5 percent (32-79) of its field goal attempts and held the visitors to 32.8 percent (22-67).  Piedmont finished with a 49-48 edge in rebounding but that was negated by its 22 turnovers that Emory converted into 23 points.  In addition, the Eagles registered a hefty 35-6 advantage in bench scoring.  

In a fast-paced first half, Emory used 12 points from Gigax and Baitey's game total in posting a 41-28 edge at the break.  A key point in the first half came during a 2:26 stretch when the Eagles went on an 11-0 spurt, which saw four different players score, en route to taking a 36-24 lead.  Gigax connected on five-of-10 from the floor in the opening half, including two-of-four- from distance, while Baitey connected on five-of-of nine from the field.   Emory shot 38.1 percent (16-42) from the floor compared to the Lions' 31.4 percent (11-35).  Emory harassed Piedmont into 11 turnovers that it parlayed into 12 points. 

After a three-pointer by Piedmont's Justin Vallejo opened the second half, Emory held the Lions scored over the next four minutes, scoring eight unanswered points during that time, beginning with a Gigax triple, to take a commanding 49-31 lead.  Piedmont was able to get to within 12 points on two occasions, the final time with 12:15 remaining, but Emory built the first five 19-point leads with 7:32 on the clock after Williams drained a three-pointer.  All 15 players who suited up found their way into the game, with 10 scoring and 12 grabbing rebounds.

Emory returns to action next Tuesday (Nov. 21) when it plays at Berry College in a 7:00 pm start.