BRIDGEWATER, Va. — Averett University rallied to beat Bridgewater College 57-54 in the nightcap of the Bridgewater/Don Glick Classic on Friday at Nininger Hall.
 
After trailing for almost the entire game, Averett (6-1) overcame as much as a 12-point, second-half deficit when sophomore James Contreras Jr. buried a long 3-pointer with 3:29 remaining to put the Cougars in front 52-51.  Averett extended its lead to 55-51 when senior Trevor West made a layup with under a minute left. However, Bridgewater (2-6) answered back with a 3-pointer by D.J. Caldwell to get them within one with 55 seconds to play.

With 14 seconds remaining in regulation and Averett clinging to a 55-54 advantage, Bridgewater's Caldwell attempted a go-ahead 3-pointer, which fell short, giving possession back to the Cougars. After a quick timeout, senior Devontae Pannell was fouled, sending him to the free throw line. Pannell made both of his attempts, giving the Cougars a 57-54 edge with six seconds on the clock. The Eagles were able to get the ball down the court, but Cameron Thurston's 3-point attempt as the buzzer sounded fell short, lifting Averett to its fourth consecutive win.
 
The Cougars' only lead of the first half was an early 4-2 advantage in the opening minutes. Bridgewater stormed back to go ahead until Averett's late rally propelled the Cougars to the victory.
 
Contreras scored 16 of his career-high 18 points in the second half to pace the Cougars' attack. West chipped in with 11 while senior Carter Jones added nine points.
 
Averett dominated the boards, grabbing a season-high 50 rebounds, including 28 on the defensive end. Junior Charles Bryant led the squad with 11 boards and Jones brought down nine rebounds.
 
The Cougars take the court again Saturday during the final day of the Don Glick Classic when Averett faces Eastern Mennonite University at 5 p.m. at Bridgewater. Eastern Mennonite defeated Virginia University of Lynchburg 74-59 on Friday.