DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's basketball team defeated Covenant College 72-57 to pick up its first conference victory on Saturday at the Grant Center.
 
Averett junior Carter Jones recorded a career-high 21 points and tied his career high in rebounds, grabbing 12 boards in completing his double-double. Sophomore Charles Bryant also had a double-double of 16 points and a career-best 14 rebounds.
 
Averett (6-5, 1-1 USA South) never trailed beyond the opening minutes of the game, but the Cougars had to hold off Covenant (2-9, 1-1 USA South) for most of the game, including a rally late that got the Scots within three multiple times. Averett, which was ahead by 10 at halftime, had its lead trimmed to single digits at the start of the second period. Yet, the Cougars maintained at least a two-possession advantage until midway through the half when Covenant's Robbie Bell's 3-pointer cut Averett's lead to 54-51.
 
Covenant, however, couldn't get any closer as Averett was able to fend off the Scots down the stretch with key baskets and crucial free throws. The Cougars pushed their lead back to double digits in the final minutes to help seal the victory.
 
 Junior Trevor West dished out a season-high eight assists for Averett  in the victory. The Cougars also got a strong shooting performance from West who finished with 12 points, while junior Bradley Robinson added 15 points.
 
Averett shot 54.3 percent (19-for-35) in the first half to help build as much as a 12-point lead when Jones drove into the paint and converted his layup, giving Averett a 40-28 advantage with just over two minutes left in the half.  Ryan Burns nailed a 3-point attempt to get the Scots within seven with under a minute to play. However, Robinson sunk a 3 of his own at the buzzer, giving the Cougars a 45-35 lead at the break.
 
The Cougars forced 15 Covenant turnovers, leading to 15 points. Bryant led the way defensively for Averett with three steals. 
 
Averett returns to action on Jan. 7 when it travels to take on Columbia International University at 5 p.m. The Cougars defeated the Rams 85-68 earlier in the year to finish the Cougar Classic at 2-0.