COLUMBIA, S.C. — The Averett University men's basketball team defeated Columbia International University 80-73 in non-conference action on Wednesday night.
 
Averett (7-5) stretched its lead out to as many as nine in the second half, but Columbia International (1-11) was able to work its way back into the game. The Rams got as close as two when Williams hit a jumper with 7:34 on the clock to cut the Cougars' lead down to 67-65. Columbia International, however, couldn't get any closer as Averett pulled away down the stretch with key baskets. Averett was able to gain a nine-point lead with 4:23 remaining when sophomore Charles Bryant hit a jumper, giving the Cougars a 76-67 advantage.

The Rams got within four with under a minute, but Averett hit three of its four free throw attempts to help seal its second consecutive victory.

Bryant recorded his second consecutive double-double, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Junior Trevor West added 13 points and freshman James Contreras Jr.  scored 11. Senior Cody Stephens finished with 12 off the bench for the Cougars.

Averett led by as many as 12 in the first half. Stephens was fouled by Daniel Collins and sank both of his free throws, giving the Cougars a 36-24 advantage with 3:59 left in the first half. However, Columbia International used an11-3 run over the course of the next three minutes to cut the Cougars' lead to 39-35 going into the break.
 
The Cougars shot 63.6 percent from the field in the first half along with going 10-for-13 from the free throw line. Junior Carter Jones finished the period with seven points. Senior Darnell Collins added seven points for Averett as well before the break.
 
Columbia International was able to tie the game at 41-41 early in the second half when Devyn Williams kissed his shot in off the glass at the 17:35 mark. However, West nailed his 3-pointer, giving the Cougars a 46-41 edge with just under 17 minutes left in the game, which allowed Averett to regain control.

Averett held the Rams to just 12.5 percent shooting from behind the arc in the first half.  The Cougars shot 55.3 percent from the field overall and went 25-for-33 from the free-throw line.
 
Williams led the Rams with 22 points.
 
The Cougars return to action when they travel to Ferrum, Virginia, to take on Ferrum College in USA South Conference action on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m.