Box Score


WINCHESTER, Va. — Shenandoah University edged Averett in the final minutes for a 71-66 USA South Conference victory on Saturday afternoon.

Averett (9-14, 6-5 USA South) battled from behind to take a 60-59 lead with 7:33 to play, but Shenandoah (10-13, 7-3 USA South) used a 6-0 run over the next minute and a half to go back in front. The Cougars didn't get any closer than three points the rest of the way.

Although sophomore Ruben Pierce scored a career-high 22 points and senior Brandon Malone finished 19 points, the Cougars shot just 37.5 percent compared to Shenandoah's 53.3 percent.

Shenandoah led by as much as nine points in the first half before Averett rallied for a 31-28 lead with 4:11 left in the period. The Hornets fought back to take a 36-33 lead into halftime.

The Cougars remained within striking distance early in the second half before taking their brief lead.

Shenandoah had four players score in double figures. Brandon Bryan led the Hornets with 16 points off the bench. Lenzie Adams added 14 points, while Chris Schrader and Kenny Robertson scored 13 points and 12 points, respectively. Robertson also had 10 rebounds.

Senior Mike Miller had 11 rebounds for the Cougars.

Averett completes its regular-season schedule on Tuesday when the Cougars host N.C. Wesleyan College at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant Center.