Box Score


FERRUM, Va. — Ferrum College pulled away from Averett in the final minutes for a hard-fought 58-53 conference victory over the Cougars at Swartz Gym on Wednesday night.

The very physical game went down to the wire as both teams battled down the stretch. Averett (7-3, 3-1 USA South) led 51-47 with 5:21 to play, but the Cougars went cold offensively. Ferrum (8-2, 4-0 USA South) took advantage, chipping away until they eventually took a 53-51 lead on Boreika Burwell's pair of free throws at the 3:04 mark.

Although Averett tied the game with Ashley Washington's layup at the other end, Ferrum didn't allow another Cougar basket the rest of the way. The Panthers regained the lead on a Kristen Keith layup and pulled away on free throws in the final minute to escape with the win.

The heated rivalry lived up to the billing. Averett enjoyed an early 9-2 lead thanks to its defense and transition offense. Yet, Ferrum bounced back to a 13-11 lead moments later. Both teams traded blows the rest of the first half before Ferrum's Keith hit a layup in the final seconds to tie the game up at 30-30 by halftime.

The loss was Averett's first in USA South Conference play, while Ferrum remained unbeaten.

Washington led Averett with 15 points and eight rebounds.

Ferrum's Tesla Akers had 15 points to pace the Panthers, who also got 14 points from Keith.

Averett will look to bounce back on the road at Greensboro College on Saturday at 2 p.m.