DANVILLE, Va. — Despite nearly erasing a 21-point deficit down the stretch, the Averett University men's basketball team fell 67-66 to William Peace University on Wednesday night in USA South Conference action at the Grant Center.

William Peace (6-8, 1-2 USA South) held a 58-37 advantage with 9:48 remaining on the clock. However, Averett (10-4, 1-2 USA South) came storming back to cut its deficit down to 65-63 thanks to a pair of free throws from junior Charles Bryant with 51 seconds remaining. Five seconds later, the Cougars used a free throw from senior Bradley Robinson to make it 65-64 at the 46 second mark. On the Pacers' ensuing possession, freshman Saadiq Johnson came through with a crucial steal for Averett, but the Cougars turned the ball over on the possession. Despite giving the ball back to the Pacers, the Cougars forced another turnover with 35 seconds on the clock. Averett, though, was unable to convert on a trio of shots and the Cougars were forced to foul, sending Dakota King to the line. King sank both attempts from the charity stripe, putting William Peace in front 67-64 with 15 seconds left in regulation. Undeterred, senior Carter Jones converted a layup in the paint with six seconds remaining that made it 67-66. Two seconds later, the Cougars forced another turnover and got the ball down the court, but Averett was unable to sink the winning shot.
 
Senior Trevor West led the attack for the Cougars, posting 21 points and adding five assists. Jones chipped in with 18 points, while Robinson added nine points and 12 rebounds. Bryant led the team with 15 rebounds and senior Devontae Pannell chipped in with seven boards.
 
William Peace led by as many as 20 in the first half thanks to a Nate Strother fast-break layup that gave the Pacers a 28-8 lead with 11:18 left in the period. Averett's defense stepped up and held William Peace to only one point over the next six minutes to get within seven at 29-22 with 5:20 on the clock. The Cougars caught fire near the end of the period and were able to make it a 38-33 affair going into the break.
 
Averett takes the court again on Jan. 16 when it travels to Demorest, Georgia, to take on Piedmont College in USA South Conference action at 4 p.m.