Box Score

ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — N.C. Wesleyan College scored 20 unanswered points in the second half to defeat Averett 32-21 in both teams' season finale on Saturday afternoon.

N.C. Wesleyan (3-7, 2-5 USA South) benefitted from big plays all day, including a 44-yard rushing touchdown that put the game out of reach for Averett (1-9, 1-6 USA South) in the final minutes.

The Battling Bishops took a 6-0 lead thanks to a 59-yard punt return for a touchdown by Dwayne Hollis early in the first quarter. However, Averett answered to take a 7-6 lead with a 10-play, 58-yard drive that resulted in sophomore Terence Brandon's 1-yard rushing touchdown, his second in as many weeks.

Averett sophomore Ke'Von White added an 8-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter to put the Cougars ahead 14-6. Moments later, Averett's Matthew Smith returned a blocked punt 41 yards to a score to increase the Cougars' lead to 21-6.

N.C. Wesleyan trimmed the Averett lead to 21-12 on a touchdown pass before halftime.

In the second half, N.C. Wesleyan used big plays to overcome the deficit. Austin Arbuckle returned an interception 24-yards for a touchdown to get the Bishops within 21-19. On their next drive, the Bishops got an 80-yard passing touchdown to Greg Edwards from John Jackson to take a 25-21 lead, which they wouldn't relinquish.

The loss ended a disappointing season for Averett filled with injuries that decimated the Cougars' starting lineup throughout the year.