Box Score

MARYVILLE, Tenn. — Averett opened USA South Conference play with an 81-60 loss at Maryville College on Friday night.

Maryville (8-2, 1-0 USA South), picked as the favorite in the USA South's South Division, methodically built a lead in the first half and held off the Cougars in the second period. The Scots held a 38-23 lead at the break as both teams struggled with turnovers.

Despite the loss, Averett (1-5, 0-1 USA South) showed much improvement offensively from its non-conference game earlier in the week. Against Maryville, the Cougars shot a season-high 44.6 percent from the floor. Averett also made a season-best 15 steals on defense.

Averett sophomore Jessica Myers scored a career-best 14 points, while junior Aundrea Burns and freshman Brianna Taylor each added nine points.

Mackenzie Puckett scored a game-high 21 points for Maryville, which shot 52.7 percent from the field.

Averett continues its road trip at conference newcomer Covenant College on Saturday at 2 p.m.