DANVILLE, Va. — William Peace University defeated the Averett University women's basketball team 60-50 in a conference matchup on Friday night at the Grant Center.
 
Junior guard Jessica Myers scored nine of Averett's first 11 points to amplify the momentum for her teammates, but the Cougars struggled to defend Peace's long-range shots. Despite shooting 29 percent from the field during the game, William Peace (9-15, 6-12 USA South) hit six 3-pointers in the first half to give them a 31-26 lead at halftime.
 
The teams battled back and forth to regain the lead, but the Pacers were the ultimate victors. Peace led by five with less than two minutes remaining in regulation, and Brittany Boykin knocked down a 3-pointer from the wing to extend the lead to 55-47 at the 1:15 mark. In the final seconds, the Pacers led by as much as 12 after sinking free throws down the stretch.
 
Freshman guard Samm Chandler led all scorers with 14 points and grabbed five rebounds, and Myers put up 11 points and matched her career-high of nine rebounds. Freshman center Jonna Koski finished with five points and eight rebounds while senior point guard Aundrea Burns totaled four steals for the Cougars on her senior night.  
 
Peace's Ka'la Jordan and Derrica Jones had 12 points and seven rebounds apiece. Jordan also snagged four steals.
 
Even with the loss and one more regular season game, Averett (10-14, 8-10 USA South) has already clinched a spot in the USA South Conference Tournament next week that will be hosted by Maryville College. The Cougars return home for their last regular season game to take on conference opponent Meredith College at 1 p.m.