Box Score

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Despite a career-high 18 points from junior Shannon Smith, Averett suffered a 66-62 loss at Salem College on Wednesday night.

Down seven at halftime, Averett (1-5) chipped away at Salem's lead and eventually took a 45-44 on senior Caroline Young's jumper midway through the second half. After trading the lead, the Spirits (6-3) went back in front and built a 57-50 advantage with under five minutes to play. The Cougars remained within striking distance, however, and they battled back to take a 60-59 lead on a pair of free throws by senior Mette Scheiman with 2:21 left.

Salem's Satavia Taylor drained a 3-pointer at the other end to put the Spirits back in front, but Scheiman hit two more free throws to tie the game at 62-62 with 1:20 to go. An Averett foul put Taylor on the free throw line, where she hit both attempts to give Salem the lead. Averett turned the ball over on its final two possessions, and Salem hit two more free throws to seal the game in the final seconds.

Averett dominated most of the statistics, shooting a team-record 11 for 11 from the foul line. Yet, the Cougars also committed 26 turnovers.

The Cougars led early on, but a 14-2 run late in the first half gave Salem control going into the locker room.

Smith topped per previous career high of 17 points set earlier this season against Emory & Henry College. Scheiman added 16 points and Young finished with eight points and a career-high 11 rebounds.

Taylor led Salem with 17 points.

Averett returns to action on Saturday when the Cougars host Lynchburg College at 2 p.m. at the Grant Center.