DEMOREST, Ga. — The Averett men's basketball team evened its conference record with a 73-61 win over Piedmont College on Saturday at Cave Arena.
 
Averett (11-4, 2-2 USA South) led the entire second half, using its physicality to outman Piedmont (8-6, 2-3 USA South). The Cougars established a 38-28 lead early in the period thanks to a layup in the paint from junior Charles Bryant at the 18:50 mark. However, the Lions battled back and made it a two-point contest with just less than 10 minutes on the clock thanks to a jumper from Trae Gaines.
 
The game remained tight the rest of the way. However, Averett was able to put the contest away when Piedmont was whistled for a technical foul. Senior Carter Jones converted both of his attempts from the charity stripe to put the Cougars ahead 68-59. Averett got the ball back after the free throw attempts and sophomore James Contreras Jr. nailed a jumper to complete the four-point swing and give the Cougars a 70-59 lead with 1:17 remaining.
 
Contreras led all Cougars in scoring, posting 18 points, while Jones and senior Bradley Robinson each chipped in with 12 points. Jones contributed nine rebounds to lead the team and Bryant added seven boards.
 
The first half was a tight battle between the two team with three ties and four lead changes. However, the Cougars used a 9-2 to run over the last three minutes of the period to establish a 36-26 lead at the break thanks to a jumper from senior Devontae Pannell.
 
Averett travels to Fayetteville, North Carolina, on Jan. 20 to take on Methodist University in USA South Conference action at 7:30 p.m.