DANVILLE, Va. — A 23-2 run to begin the game helped the Averett University women's basketball team easily sail to a 72-45 victory over conference opponent Covenant College on Saturday night.
 
Averett (3-5, 2-1 USA South) efficiently attacked and split Covenant's zone defense throughout the game, maneuvering its way inside the lane to score 32 points in the paint. The Averett guards also worked to feed their post players who hit layups and short jumpers, with sophomore forward Brianna Taylor leading the front court for the Cougars with 11 points in the first half. She finished with 15 points and three rebounds while matching her career-high of four assists.
 
Setting the tone early, Averett's defensive performance held Covenant to only 16 first half points, with six coming from the free throw line. With poor shot selections in the first half, Covenant (0-10, 0-2 USA South) shot 4-for-23 from the field and didn't score a field goal until the midway through the period.
 
The Scots' 28 turnovers, with 15 in the first 15 minutes of play, also cost them as Averett turned Covenant's possession errors into 32 points. Junior guard Jessica Myers and freshman guard Samm Chandler had five steals apiece for Averett.
 
Chandler and freshman center Jonna Koski each finished the night with a double-double. Chandler put up 10 points and tied her career-high of 12 rebounds. Koski scored 10 points and snagged 11 rebounds. Chandler also had a career-best five assists.
 
The Cougars head to Emory, Virginia, on Tuesday to play Emory & Henry College at 7 p.m. in a non-conference matchup.