Box Score


BRIDGEWATER, Va. — A 12-2 run early in the second half gave No. 8 Eastern Mennonite University just enough cushion to hold off Averett 97-89 on Saturday evening at the Don Glick Classic hosted by Bridgewater College.

Averett (1-7) and Eastern Mennonite (7-1) traded the lead throughout the first half, but the Royals took a 38-36 advantage into the locker rooms. The Cougars responded in the second half with a Kenny Hart layup and a Victor Cortes jumper to go in front 42-38 in the opening minutes of the second period. Much like the first half, the two teams continued to swap leads through the first four minutes of the half. Then came Eastern Mennonite's 12-2 run, which gave the nationally ranked Royals breathing room.

Eastern Mennonite extended its lead to as much as 11 points, but Averett chopped it down to six points on several occasions. However, the Cougars couldn't get any closer before time ran out despite a career-high 35 points from Hart.

Averett's 21 turnovers hurt the Cougars' chances despite their 45.8 percent shooting and plus-11 rebounding margin.

Hart's 35 points shattered his previous high of 25 points set during his freshman season. The junior, who was selected to the Don Glick Classic All-Tournament Team last year, continued to shine in the two-day tournament. In three career games in Bridgewater's' tournament, Hart has averaged 22.7 points.

In addition to Hart's big night, Justin Pierce netted a career-high 16 points and Cortes scored 10 points for the Cougars.

Eastern Mennonite had five players score in double figures, led by Todd Phillips' 23 points.

Averett will play the tournament host Bridgewater on Sunday at 4 p.m.