Box Score


FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett couldn't overcome its deficit down the stretch as Methodist University held off the Cougars for a 61-53 conference victory on Saturday afternoon.

Averett (11-10, 7-8 USA South) trimmed Methodist's lead down to 42-39 on Ashley Washington's fastbreak layup and subsequent free throw after getting fouled with 6:51 remaining. The Monarchs (11-10, 9-5 USA South) responded with a 7-0 run to go back in front by 10 points with five minutes to play.

The Cougars mounted one final rally. Deandra Brown's fastbreak layup with 3:31 left cut Averett's deficit down to 49-45. Averett couldn't get any closer than four points as Methodist rebuilt its lead and pulled away with free throws in the final minute.

The two teams matched each other point-for-point in the second half. The difference came in the first half as Methodist took a 30-22 lead into the break.

Washington finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds to lead Averett, which also got five points and 11 rebounds from Kyana Smith.

Dawn Sanderson led Methodist with 19 points and seven rebounds. The Monarchs also got 13 points from Iesha Hayes and 10 points and 15 rebounds from Jackie Lyles.

Averett will look to rebound when it hosts Bennett College in a non-conference game on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.