Box Score


FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett came from behind to take the lead briefly in the second half only to watch Methodist University pull away late for a 72-58 victory over the Cougars on Tuesday night.

Averett (11-10, 7-7 USA South), which trailed by four at halftime, came from behind to take its first lead of the night on an Abby Bailey free throw to give the Cougars a 42-41 advantage with 13:18 remaining. Methodist (13-7, 8-5 USA South), however, answered with a Dezzire Gilliard layup to regain the lead seconds later. That basket was the start of the 12-2 Monarchs run that helped put the Cougars away.

Methodist slowly crept out to a 26-16 lead in the first half, but Averett chipped away. Senior Taylor Poirier drained a 3-pointer with 1:24 left in the half to pull the Cougars back to within one, but the Monarchs inched back out to a 32-28 lead at the break.

Sophomore Ashley Washington led the Cougars with 23 points and nine rebounds. Poirier finished with 16 points and five assists, while junior Kristyn Wharton added 11 points.

Gilliard scored 18 points for the Monarchs, who also got 11 points from Zan Messer and 10 points from Adriana Wilson.

Methodist avenged a 51-49 loss to Averett in Danville earlier this season.

Averett returns home to play Christopher Newport University on Saturday at 2 p.m.