Box Score
Box Score


DANVILLE, Va. — Averett rallied to cut Ferrum College's lead down to just two in the final minutes, but the Panther held on to defeat the Cougars 73-70 in USA South Conference action on Friday night at the Grant Center.

After leading for a bulk of the first half, Averett (7-14, 2-7 USA South) allowed Ferrum (13-8, 6-3 USA South) to finish the half on a 14-2 run to go in front 37-26 at halftime. Ferrum extended that lead to as much as 16 points early in the second half. Averett, however, didn't go away. The Cougars slowly chipped away before using an 8-0 run to get within 49-46 with 11:18 to play.

Ferrum built its cushion back up to nine points moments later. Still, Averett kept battling. Four consecutive points by junior Marquis Scott got the Cougars back within two with just under two minutes to play. Averett's defense got a stop at the other end, and a 3-pointer by junior Grant Chandler rattled in and out that would have given the Cougars the lead and the momentum. Averett missed 3-point attempts on its next two possessions as Ferrum drained five of six free throws to go ahead 71-64 with 18 seconds to play.

Averett junior Jonathan Setters nailed a 3-pointer seconds later, but Ferrum hit its ensuing free throws. The Cougars got a last-second 3-pointer from sophomore Jeremy Ruffin to close within three, but it was too little too late.

Scott finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out with under a minute to play. Scott is averaging 30.0 points in Averett's last three games.

Chandler and Setters added 14 and 12 points, respectively. Ruffin added nine points off the bench.

Marcus Mayo led Ferrum with 20 points.

Averett hosts non-conference foe Virginia University of Lynchburg on Monday at 7 p.m .at the Grant Center.