GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Averett University women's basketball team ran out of time in a 60-55 conference loss to Greensboro College on Wednesday evening.
 
Both teams struggled to get things going from the perimeter, but sophomore Alexis Sollars had a career-night from long range.
 
The power forward, who usually relies on her mid-range jumper, nailed two consecutive 3-pointers to put the Cougars ahead 25-24 with 3:39 to go in the first half. Sollars knocked down a career-best of three 3-pointers, all from the same spot, and finished with 11 points. She was the only Cougar to hit a shot from behind the arc while Marla Crawford made Greensboro's only 3-pointer.
 
Though Greensboro (19-4, 14-3 USA South) used its size to outrebound the Cougars throughout the game, the Pride couldn't keep up with Averett's speed in the backcourt during the first half. Junior guard Jessica Myers blew past defenders to get to the bucket and converted on her three steals to help the Cougars. Eleven of her 15 points came in the first half, including a layup over the hands of 6-foot-4 center Tiffani Stephens that gave Averett a 30-29 with six seconds remaining in the first half.  
 
Averett (10-13, 8-9 USA South) led by 10 at the 15:37 mark in the second half as sophomore forward Brianna Taylor powered her way in the post to make layups and draw fouls, but the Pride didn't stay silent for long.  Greensboro rallied from behind with a 17-5 run to regain the advantage with 7:49 left in regulation. Stephens made a basket on a feed from Shanita Hampton to lead 48-46.
 
The Cougars trailed 57-55 with 40 seconds on the clock when Myers fouled Alexis Hite, sending her to the line. Hite knocked down both free throws to extend the lead, and those were her only points of the game. Hite, who is ranked eighth in the conference in 3-point percentage, struggled to find the bottom of the net. Averett guarded the perimeter well, only allowing the junior spot-up shooter three attempts from 3-point land.
 
Syerra Troutman and Joslyn Spires sank two more free throws to claim the win for the top seed in the USA South North Division. Despite the loss, Averett forced Greensboro to commit 22 turnovers while the Cougars had a season-best of only 11 turnovers.
 
Taylor put up 15 points, eight rebounds and three steals for the Cougars. Taylor, Myers and Sollars combined for 41 of Averett's points.   
 
Stephens finished with a team-high of 13 points while Troutman and Vontreece Hayes grabbed 14 and 11 rebounds for Greensboro, respectively.
 
The Cougars return to the Grant Center on Friday to host William Peace University for senior night. Averett will honor senior point guard Aundrea Burns.