Box Score


RALEIGH, N.C. — Averett's second-half rally fell short as the Cougars fell to USA South Conference foe Peace College 55-51 on Monday night.

Averett (7-5, 3-3 USA South) held Peace (5-6, 1-4 USA South) scoreless the first seven minutes of the second half while opening the period with a 9-0 run, allowing the Cougars to chop the Pacers' lead down to 32-29. Averett trimmed its deficit down to two points numerous times in the second half before tying the game 45-45 on an Ashley Washington layup with 5:19 remaining.

Peace responded with a Mia Sloan jumper at the other end, followed by another Pacers basket by Angel Fuller to push their lead back to four points. Averett closed that gap down to two several more times but couldn't quite get over the hump before time ran out.

Washington finished with team highs of 18 points and 14 rebounds for the Cougars, who have lost three straight.

Peace opened the game on a 10-2 run in the first five minutes and continued to build a 28-10 lead with 4:42 to play in the first period. Averett was able to trim the deficit down to 32-20 by halftime.

The Pacers shot 50 percent (12-for-24) in the first half and got 17 points from Karissa Herring by halftime. Averett's defense, mainly through the efforts of Deandra Brown, did a better job shutting down Herring in the second half. She finished with 20 points.

Averett outrebounded Peace 38-27, but the Cougars' season-high 36 turnovers helped offset the battle on the boards.

Averett returns to action at home on Wednesday in a 5:30 p.m. contest with Methodist University at the Grant Center.