Box Score


DANVILLE, Va. — Averett held off Methodist University in the final minute for a 51-49 conference victory on Wednesday night at the Grant Center.

Averett (8-5, 4-2 USA South) missed five of its last sixth free throws in the final two minutes, but the Cougars escaped when Methodist (7-5, 2-3 USA South) couldn't capitalize. The Cougars held a 50-45 lead with 1:19 to play, and the Monarchs trimmed that to three after a Dezzire Gilliard jumper with 54.1 seconds left. Averett missed a jumper on the other end, giving Methodist a chance to tie the game with less than 30 seconds to play.

Averett junior Kristyn Wharton took a charge in the lane with 13.4 seconds left, and Methodist quickly fouled on the inbounds play following a Cougar timeout. Averett, however, missed both free throws. Methodist couldn't get a 3-pointer to tie, but the Monarchs got a layup to cut the lead to 50-49 with 0.6 seconds left.

Senior Taylor Poirier was fouled and hit one of two free throws on the other end, and Methodist couldn't get a shot off before the buzzer sounded.

The Cougars took the lead for good with 9:24 to play when sophomore Ashley Washington scored on a layup on and inbounds pass under the basket from senior Nikki Huffman.

Washington led Averett with 13 points, 11 rebounds and five steals. Freshman Liz Martin added 10 points, while Wharton finished with nine.

Both teams got off to a sluggish start, as Averett only led 2-0 for the first six minutes of the game. The Cougars extended that lead to 10-0 while holding the Monarchs scoreless for the first 10:22 of the game. Methodist, however, managed to trim the Averett lead to 23-19 at the break.

Adrianna Wilson led Methodist with 18 points and Gilliard finished with 14 points and five steals.

It was Averett's first victory over the Monarchs since a 70-69 decision on Jan. 18, 2005. Methodist had won seven straight against the Cougars until Wednesday.

Averett hits the road to face Christopher Newport on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Shenandoah on Sunday at 2 p.m.