Box Score


DANVILLE, Va. — Averett came from behind in the second half and held off Piedmont College down the stretch to escape with a 47-43 victory in the Cougars' home-opener on Saturday afternoon at the Grant Center.

Averett (3-1), which trailed 25-21 at the half, watched its deficit increase in the opening minutes of the second half as Mandy Beasley's 3-pointer gave Piedmont (0-3) a 31-24 lead with 17:14 to play. Yet, the Cougars battled back, going on a 13-0 run to regain the lead. Averett's defense held Piedmont without a basket for more than seven minutes during the run.

Averett freshman Mette Scheiman scored 10 of her game-high 20 points in the second half as the Cougars held off the Lions down the stretch. Piedmont got within two points in the final minute and a half on a free throw by Lisa Jennings, but senior Kristyn Wharton's jumper with 15 seconds to play sealed the win for the Cougars.

Wharton finished with 10 points and five rebounds. Junior Ashley Washington, who started the season with three consecutive double-doubles, had that streak end. Washington led the Cougars with 12 rebounds, but was held scoreless.
Alyssa Jones led Piedmont with 15 points and seven rebounds.

The Cougars led for most of the first half, but the Lions went in front 19-17 on a Jones 3-pointer with 6:16 to play in the period. Piedmont extended its lead to four points twice before Wharton hit a pair of free throws just before the end of the half.

Averett returns to action on Tuesday when it hosts USA South Conference foe Meredith College at 7 p.m.