Box Score  
 
ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — Averett closed the gap late, but the Cougars' comeback attempt ran out of time in a 69-58 conference loss at N.C. Wesleyan College on Sunday afternoon.

Averett (6-16, 5-11 USA South) trailed the entire second half by double digits until a rally in the final minutes helped the Cougars get within eight points of N.C. Wesleyan (10-11, 8-7 USA South). Sophomore Jessica Myers' layup with 1:01 to play trimmed the Battling Bishops' lead to 64-56. Yet, N.C. Wesleyan answered with a basket at the other end, then forced an Averett turnover and hit the ensuing free throws to push the lead back to 12 and put the game out of reach for the Cougars.

N.C. Wesleyan opened the game with a 10-2 run and methodically grew its lead to as much as 17 points before Averett trimmed it to 36-22 by halftime.

Kenyata Harris led four Bishops in double-figure scoring with 17 points and 14 rebounds.

Averett got 17 points and eight rebounds from freshman Brianna Taylor. Sophomore Jessica Myers and freshman Alexis Sollars had 12 points each, with Myers pulling down a career-high nine rebounds.

N.C. Wesleyan avenged its earlier loss this season to Averett. The Cougars beat the Bishops 86-78 in Danville on Feb. 2.

Averett returns home for its final game of the season at the Grant Center on Wednesday against Greensboro College at 5:30 p.m. The Cougars will honor lone senior Shannon Smith prior to the game. The game also will serve as Averett's National Girls & Women in Sports event, celebrating Title IX.