Box Score

DANVILLE, Va. — Averett sophomore Bradley Robinson netted a career high 27 points as the Cougars knocked off Columbia International University 91-81 in non-conference action on Wednesday night at the Grant Center.

Averett (5-8) had four players score in double figures to help the Cougars pull away from Columbia International (5-9) down the stretch. The two programs, meeting for the first time, traded the lead early in the second half before Averett pulled out to an eight-point lead midway through the period. The Cougars weathered Columbia International runs that trimmed Averett's advantage to one point several times with less than seven minutes to play. The final time came with just over four minutes remaining when the Rams sliced Averett's lead to 73-72. The Cougars answered with a 13-3 run spanning the next three minutes to take a commanding 86-75 lead with a minute to play.

Averett hit five of its final six free throws to seal the win, its second in a row.

Robinson surpassed his previous career high of 26 points by hitting a pair of free throws with 44 seconds to play. The Cougars also got a double-double from sophomore Trevor West, who finished with 13 points and a career-high 12 assists. Sophomore Carter Jones added 17 points and seven rebounds, senior Paul Porter scored 14 points and junior Cody Stephens grabbed a career-best 13 rebounds.

The first half was tightly contested as neither team held more than a five point lead over the other. Robinson's 3-pointer in the final minute helped give Averett a 39-36 lead at halftime.

Averett used its size advantage to dominate in the post. The Cougars outscored the Rams 54-32 in the paint and outrebounded them 41-27. The Cougars also shot a season-high 56.7 percent from the floor.

Zach Durkee led Columbia International with 20 points.

Averett returns to action on Saturday when the Cougars play host to conference foe LaGrange College at 4 p.m.