Box Score

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Two weeks after beating the Monarchs at home, Averett couldn't complete the regular season sweep as the Cougars lost 71-48 at Methodist University on Saturday afternoon.

Methodist (12-8, 8-6 USA South) jumped out to a 10-2 lead at the start, but Averett (6-15, 5-10 USA South) closed the gap to 12-11 minutes later. The Monarchs slowly built their lead to double digits en route to a 37-25 halftime advantage.

After the half, Methodist increased its lead to 17 points before Averett used a run to get within 42-32 with 16:04 to play. The Monarchs then held the Cougars to just four points over the next nine-plus minutes as they pushed their lead to 56-36 to take control of the game.

Monique Lofton led Methodist with 17 points and Jackie Lyles added 14 points.

Averett was led by freshman Brianna Taylor's 11 points and sophomore Jessica Taylor's 10 points. Taylor also matched her career high of 10 rebounds.

The win helped Methodist salvage a split of the regular season series. Just two weeks earlier, Averett defeated Methodist 76-64 in Danville.

Averett returns to action at N.C. Wesleyan College on Sunday at 1 p.m.