Box Score


DANVILLE, Va. — Averett opened the 2010-11 campaign with a 90-76 victory over Bridgewater College on Monday night at the Grant Center, giving new head coach Matt Parke a win in his debut.

Junior guard Victor Cortes scored a career-high 22 points as the Cougars (1-0) pulled away late in the second half. Bridgewater (0-1), which trailed 41-36 at halftime, tried chipping away at Averett's lead in the second half. However, the Cougars managed to keep the Eagles at a distance each time.

Bridgewater got as close as four points as late as 4:11 in regulation. Cortes, as well as freshman Paul Porter, never let the Eagles threaten any further the rest of the way.

Averett also got career-highs of 15 points and eight rebounds from sophomore Justin Pierce, as well as 14 points and seven boards from junior Kenny Hart. Cortes finished with a game-high five assists.

Bridgewater took the lead early on before a pair of free throws by sophomore Marquis Scott put the Cougars ahead 17-16 with 14:58 left in the first half. That turned into an 11-0 run to give Averett some cushion. Bridgewater never led the rest of the way.

Kyle Hammond led all scorers with 27 points, while Rashaad Moore added 21 points for the Eagles.

Averett returns to action on Wednesday when the Cougars host No. 12 Virginia Wesleyan College at 7 p.m. at the Grant Center.