Box Score

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Johnson & Wales University edged Averett in the final minutes to hand the Cougars a 76-72 loss in non-conference men's basketball action on Wednesday night.

Averett (1-4) and Johnson & Wales (5-9) traded the lead for stretches in the second half. Sparked by six consecutive points by sophomore Bradley Robinson, Averett went ahead 70-64 with 2:35 remaining. A 3-pointer at the other end, followed by a pair of Averett turnovers that lead to two Johnson & Wales layups helped the Wildcats reclaim a 71-70 lead with 1:23 to play.

After the Cougars missed a layup at the other end, Johnson & Wales connected on a pair of free throws to push the Wildcats' lead to three. Averett turned the ball over on its ensuing possession. Johnson & Wales milked the clock down to 21 seconds before Joshua Cohen was sent to the line, where he made one of two foul shots to put the Wildcats ahead 74-70. Averett missed two shots before sophomore JaColby Hawkins hit a jumper in the final seconds to get the Cougars within two. DeQuincey Bennett's pair of free throws with 0.4 seconds sealed the win for the Wildcats — their first against Averett in five meetings.

Johnson & Wales led 13-7 early before Averett rattled off a 16-2 run to take control. The Cougars led 35-26 at the break.

That nine-point halftime lead evaporated early in the second half as Johnson & Wales chipped away before taking a 43-42 lead with 13:55 to play. The Wildcats led by as many as six in the second period before Robinson helped Averett rally. Robinson scored 18 of his team-high 20 points in the second half.

Averett also got 18 points and 12 rebounds — both career highs — from sophomore Carter Jones. Hawkins finished with nine points off the bench, while freshman Charles Bryant added eight points and eight rebounds.

Cohen led Johnson & Wales with 18 points.

Averett plays host to Bridgewater College on Monday at 3:30 p.m. at the Grant Center.