Box Score

DANVILLE, Va. — Averett pulled away in the second half for an 87-73 non-conference win over Johnson & Wales University on Wednesday night at the Grant Center. Averett senior Justin Pierce scored a team-high 33 points as the Cougars completed a series sweep of the Wildcats.

Although Johnson & Wales (5-14) only led once in the second half, the Wildcats remained on Averett's coattail early in the period. The Cougars, who led 40-38 at halftime, had to fend off Johnson & Wales, which tied the game four times and took a brief 53-52 lead in the opening minutes of the half. After the Wildcats grabbed that one-point lead, Averett answered with a 9-0 run to take control.

Pierce, who notched his third 30-point game this season, hit several big shots to help the Cougars put some distance on the Wildcats, who Averett also defeated 80-70 on Dec. 11 in Charlotte, N.C. Pierce also added eight rebounds and four assists.

Averett sophomore Sunil Ram finished with 13 points, while junior Paul Porter had 12 points and eight rebounds. Freshman Trevor West chipped in nine points and seven rebounds.

Following a tight start in the first half, Averett jumped ahead 23-13 The Cougars' lead grew to 12 before Johnson & Wales whittled it down to two points by the break.

Averett returns to action at N.C. Wesleyan College on Saturday at 4 p.m.