HARRISONBURG, Va. — A big second half helped Eastern Mennonite University defeated Averett 76-55 on the second day of the Eastern Mennonite Tip-Off Classic on Sunday.

Averett (1-1) started strong, taking a 23-13 lead on a pair of free throws by senior Damien Brown with just over five minutes to play in the first half. Eastern Mennonite (2-0), however, battled back to take a 30-28 lead at halftime.

The Cougars took a brief six-point lead early in the second half on a Jonathan Rumley jumpshot, but the Royals chipped away and took a 41-40 lead on a George Johnson 3-pointer. Eastern Mennonite never relinquished the lead from there.

Sophomore Reggie Cherry led Averett with 12 points off the bench. Brown, who finished with nine points and six rebounds, was named to the all-tournament team.

Johnson, who led the Royals with 20 points and seven assists, was named the tournament's MVP. Todd Phillips added 18 points and nine rebounds, while LeRoger Parrish finished with 10 points.

Averett returns to action next Saturday against Piedmont College at 6 p.m. on the first day of the Texas Steakhouse Averett Classic at the Grant Center.