DANVILLE, Va. — Averett held off a late spurt by The Apprentice School to win 89-80 on Sunday in the Texas Steakhouse Averett Classic at the Grant Center.

The Cougars (3-1) held a 71-63 lead with 7:47 to play after freshman Kenny Hart was fouled on a layup. Hart, who scored 16 points, made the layup and the ensuing free throw. But the Builders (4-1) scored the next five points to cut the Averett advantage down to three with 7:07 left. However, that was as close as The Apprentice School got.

Averett pushed its lead back to double figures with just under two minutes left, and the Builders could only close the gap to as little as six the rest of the way.

Senior Justin Parker led the team with 18 points. Parker and Hart were named to the all-tournament team, along with the Builders' Eric Joe, who scored 22 points. Greensboro College's Michael Mitchell and Piedmont College's Samuel Coppage were also selected.

The Cougars never trailed in the contest, although the Builders did tie the score twice in the opening minutes. Averett took a 49-37 lead into the locker rooms at halftime.

Senior Jonathan Rumley added 14 points and six rebounds, while senior Ryan Frazier scored 12 points and grabbed eight boards. Freshman Rakeem Davis chipped in with 11 points.

Greensboro College edged Piedmont College 66-64 in the opening game Sunday.

Averett returns to action on Tuesday at home against Guilford College at 7:30 p.m. following the Averett women's game against Bridgewater College at 5:30 p.m.