DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's basketball team overcame a 23-point deficit in the first half to beat Piedmont College 73-67 in conference action on Sunday afternoon at the Grant Center.
 
Averett (11-6, 5-2 USA South) trimmed Piedmont's lead to 52-39 by the break, but it was a great start to the second half that propelled the Cougars to their sixth win in seven games. Averett came out of the gate strong in the second period, using a 17-2 run to go in front 56-54 on freshman James Contreras Jr.'s jumper at the 11:12 mark, which gave the Cougars their first lead of the game. Although Piedmont (8-8, 3-4 USA South), tied the game at 57-57 minutes later, Averett was able to regain control when junior Trevor West nailed a 3-pointer, giving the Cougars a 60-57 advantage with 8:35 on the clock. The Lions knotted the score again at 62-62 at the 5:11 mark. However, senior Cody Stephens scored a layup with 4:52 remaining, giving Averett a 64-62 advantage, which it never relinquished thanks to a good effort on the offensive glass over the next few minutes.
 
With Averett only holding a four-point advantage, the Cougars kept the ball out of Piedmont's hands and killed clock from the 3:35 mark until 1:20 left with the help of six offensive rebounds. Piedmont got within one point, 68-67, with 18.8 seconds to play. However, junior Devontae Pannell hit both free throws at the other end to push the lead back three and the Cougars got a stop on the defensive end to help seal the victory.
 
Piedmont used a 9-for-11 shooting performance from beyond the arc in the first half to build a large lead at the break. Peyton Luken made all four of his 3-point attempts and Trae Gaines shot 3-for-3 from 3-point range. However, the Cougars switched from a zone to man defense in the second half, slowing the Lions'offense down. Averett's defense didn't allow a 3 after the break and held Piedmont to just 13.6 percent shooting (3-for-22) from the field. The Cougars' defense forced 15 Piedmont turnovers, leading to 12 points.
 
West led Averett with 18 points in the victory. Stephens finished with 14 and pulled down nine rebounds in reserve, while sophomore Charles Bryant added 12 points and nine rebounds. Junior Carter Jones tied his career-high in blocks with three.
 
Luken led Piedmont with 18 points.
 
Averett travels to Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Jan. 31 to take on Methodist University at 2 p.m.