Box Score

DANVILLE, Va. — Ferrum College's size and rebounding helped the 20th-ranked Panthers defeat Averett 70-59 in USA South Conference play on Friday night.

Despite being outrebounded by 20 in the first half, Averett (5-13, 4-6 USA South) went toe to toe with the nationally ranked Panthers. Junior Shannon Smith's jumper tied the game at 30-30 with just under four minutes left in the first half. However, Ferrum (15-2, 9-1 USA South) finished the period on a 12-2 run to take a 42-32 lead at the half.

The momentum stayed in Ferrum's favor early in the second half as the Panthers build as much as a 23-point lead midway through the period. Averett chipped away the deficit down the stretch but ran out of time.

Averett senior Mette Scheiman paced the Cougars with 16 points, while freshman Ariana Covington matched her career-high with 10 points. In addition, freshman Oneka Jones set a new career-high with 11 rebounds.

Ferrum finished with a 63-34 rebounding advantage, including 27 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-change points.

Ferrum's Jacole Hairston led the Panthers with 17 points. Katy Kipps finished with 10 points and 15 rebounds, while Kylene Culler added 11 rebounds.

Averett returns to action on Sunday when the Cougars host Maryville College at 5 p.m.