Box Score


GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Averett men's basketball team suffered its second defeat in a row, losing 75-57 to Emory University in the opening round of the Guilford College Hilton Garden Inn Invitational on Friday night.

After trading baskets during the first four minutes, the Cougars (1-2) took their only lead of the night with 16:12 remaining in the first half when junior Victor Cortes sank a 3-pointer. The Eagles rallied and took over the lead just two minutes later when Michael Friedberg connected on a jumper to give Emory a 14-12 advantage.

Emory (2-0) would lead by as much as 15 before going into the locker room at halftime with a 40-31 lead. The Cougars mounted a comeback attempt early in the second half and even cut the lead to five after Sophomore Justin Pierce drained a 3-pointer to make it 48-43 with 13:07 left to play, but the Eagles went on a 14-1 run in the middle part of the period to put the game out of reach.

Cortes led the Cougars with 13 points. Pierce and fellow sophomore Marquis Scott contributed 11 points and 10 points, respectively.

Alex Gulotta led Emory with 23 points, which included seven 3-pointers, and Friedberg added 15.

The Cougars return to action on Saturday in the second day of the tournament when they take on McMurray University at 3 p.m. in the consolation game. McMurry lost to No. 19 Guilford 75-60 on Friday.