Box Score

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Methodist University overtook Averett in the second half and pulled away down the stretch to hand the Cougars a 79-70 setback on Saturday afternoon.

Averett (11-11, 8-3 USA South), which led for almost the entire first half, carried a 37-34 advantage into halftime. Four consecutive points by sophomore Trevor West helped the Cougars increase that lead to seven to start the second period, but Methodist stayed right on their heels. Three consecutive 3-pointers helped the Monarchs overtake Averett 52-47 by the 13:49 mark in what proved to be an 18-4 run by Methodist.

The Cougars responded with back-to-back 3-pointers by sophomores JaColby Hawkins and Bradley Robinson but Methodist withstood the challenge. The Monarchs built their lead back to double digits over the next few minutes and held off Averett down the stretch for the USA South Conference victory.

West and Robinson each finished with 16 points in the loss for Averett. Hawkins added 11 points and freshman Charles Bryant chipped in with nine points and nine rebounds.

The Cougars shot 49.2 percent, but turned the ball over 20 times.

Bryan Hockaday and Tobias Hilliard each scored 17 points for Methodist, with Hockaday added 10 rebounds.

The win by Methodist secured a regular season split in the series, although Saturday's game did not count as a conference game due to the unbalanced schedule. Averett won the first meeting 61-60 in Danville on Feb. 1, which counted toward the conference record.

Averett continues its road trip at N.C. Wesleyan College on Sunday at 3 p.m.