Box Score

LAGRANGE, Ga. — LaGrange College battled back to force overtime, but Averett prevailed with an 85-72 conference road win over the Panthers on Sunday afternoon.

LaGrange (7-4, 1-2 USA South) took an initial 68-67 lead by hitting one of two free throws on its first possession of the overtime period, but Averett (5-6, 2-1 USA South) answered with 10-0 run — aided by 3-pointers from sophomore Sunil Ram and freshman Bradley Robinson — to take a commanding 77-68 advantage. LaGrange never got closer than eight points the rest of the way as the Cougars picked up a valuable road victory in the USA South Conference.

The tightly contested game featured nine ties in regulation and the largest lead by either team was six points in the first or second half. Although LaGrange led for most of the first half, the two teams were tied 32-32 at the break.

In a back-and-forth second half, Averett crept out to a 67-63 lead with 2:03 remaining. LaGrange connected on two free throws and a layup in the final 1:36 to tie the game at 67-67 and extend the game.

Averett had five players score in double figures, led by senior Justin Pierce's 19 points. Robinson added 16 points off the bench and Ram had 15 points to aid the Cougars, who also got career-highs of 11 points from freshman Trevor West and 10 points from freshman Carter Jones. Senior Marquis Scott had a team-high 19 rebounds.

Nick Mitchell had a game-high 20 points to pace the Panthers.

Averett returns to action on Wednesday at Ferrum College at 7 p.m.