Box Score

MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Maryville College held off Averett down the stretch for an 80-68 conference victory over the Cougars on Wednesday night.

Averett (4-6, 1-1 USA South) overcame a 40-34 halftime deficit to tie the game at 48-48 with 14:17 to play. Maryville (5-6, 2-2 USA South), however, answered with a 7-0 run to jump back in front. The Scots methodically built as much as an 11-point lead lead before Averett chipped it down to six several times in the final minutes, including when senior Justin Pierce's 3-pointer made it 74-68 with under a minute to play. Maryville hit its final six free throws to seal its first win over Averett as a member of the USA South.

Pierce led the Cougars with 24 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore Sunil Ram matched his career-high with 16 points. Averett, playing its first game since Dec. 16, also got 11 rebounds and eight points from senior Marquis Scott before he fouled out late.

Averett outrebounded Maryville 53-40.

Maryville drilled 14 shots from beyond the arc, including nine in the first half to build its six-point lead at halftime. The Scots had five players score in double figures, led by Craig Raye's 19 points.

Averett was scheduled to play at Piedmont College on Saturday, but Piedmont announced on Dec. 28 that it was cancelling the rest of its season. The Cougars next contest is on Sunday at LaGrange College.