LYNCHBURG, Va. — The Averett University women's basketball team pulled out a 79-73 win over Randolph College on Wednesday night at the RAD Center.
 
The game was never out of reach for either team throughout the entire way, but Averett (3-2) went on a 9-2 run in the third quarter to gain a 53-45 lead over Randolph (0-5). The Cougars led by six (58-52) going into the fourth quarter when sophomore guard Joelle Deese connected on a jumper and senior guard Jessica Myers followed with 3-pointer. Myers, who was 3 for 6 from behind the arc, notched her first career double-double with 14 points and a career-high of 10 rebounds. She also dished out five assists.
 
Once the Cougars moved ahead on a layup from senior forward Oneka Jones to close out the second quarter, they never trailed the Wildcats again. Randolph only led Averett by as much as two.
 
With 6:20 remaining in regulation, Jones scored on a tip-in to give Averett a 66-57 edge, however, Randolph capitalized from the line when Averett got into foul trouble. Alexis Calloway knocked down a free throw, capping a 7-0 run to close the margin, and the Wildcats crept their way back and were only behind 66-64.
 
Averett stretched its lead using free throws to its advantage as well to secure the win. Nine of the Cougars' last 13 points came from the line.

Alongside Myers, shooting guard Samm Chandler also finished with a double-double, her third of the season. She paced Averett with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Jones put up a season-high 11 points while Deese added 10. Freshman forward JayTee Daniels also had a solid night down low, hauling in a season-best nine rebounds.  
 
Averett has almost two weeks off before returning to action on Monday, Dec. 14, to host Lynchburg College at 5 p.m. at the Grant Center. The matchup will be the last game before the Cougars enter conference play.