Box Score
 
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Averett rallied to take a lead in the final minutes, but N.C. Wesleyan scored the final 11 points to hold off the Cougars 76-66 in USA South Conference action on Sunday.

Averett (11-12, 8-4 USA South) spent almost the entire second half trying to inch in front of N.C. Wesleyan (11-12, 6-6 USA South), but the Battling Bishops answered any challenge to their lead. The Cougars got within 61-59 with 10:14 to play, only to have N.C. Wesleyan go back ahead by six.

Averett made its push with less than six minutes to play. The Cougars got a 3-pointer and a jumper from sophomores Devontae Pannell and JaColby Hawkins, respectively, to pull within one point with 2:59 remaining. After a defensive stop, sophomore Bradley Robinson was fouled and went to the line, where he hit both free throws to give Averett a 66-65 lead — its first since late in the first half.

After a N.C. Wesleyan timeout, the Bishops hit a 3-pointer to go back in front. They took advantage of two consecutive Averett turnovers and pushed their lead back to 71-66 with less than 30 seconds to play. Averett failed to score the rest of the way as N.C. Wesleyan tacked on five free throws to seal the win.

N.C. Wesleyan built an 11-point lead over Averett midway through the first half. Yet, Averett surged back to take a one-point lead several times, including a 36-35 advantage with 1:39 left in the half. The Bishops, however, scored the final seven points of the period to take a 42-36 lead into halftime.

Josh Morrison led N.C. Wesleyan with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Devontae Williams added 14 points and 10 boards.

Hawkins paced Averett with 13 points off the bench. Robinson and sophomore Trevor West each had 11 points and junior Cody Stephens chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds in reserve as the Cougars dropped their third game in a row.

Averett returns to action on Wednesday in its home finale against Greensboro College at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant Center. Prior to the game, Averett will honor seniors Melvin Garrison and Paul Porter.