MARYVILLE, Tenn. – The Averett University women's basketball team came up short in an 83-66 loss to Piedmont College in the quarterfinals of the USA South Conference Tournament on Thursday.
 
Piedmont (19-7, 13-3 USA South) gained a quick 10-point lead midway through the first quarter, but Averett (14-12, 9-7 USA South) worked to close the gap in the second period. Sophomore guard Joelle Deese hauled in an offense rebound that led to a short-range jumper in the lane from senior forward Oneka Jones. Her shot ignited a 9-0 run in less than two minutes, and sophomore guard Samm Chandler sank a 3-pointer and two free throws as the Cougars only trailed by 3 (30-27) with 6:40 to go before the break. 
 
Chandler notched a double-double with a game-high 24 points and 11 rebounds.
 
The Lions later scored in four consecutive possessions while holding off the Cougars to take a 47-33 lead at halftime.
 
Earlier this season, Averett proved its capability to overcome adversity after defeating Piedmont in a comeback win on the road, so the Lions entered Thursday's game looking for revenge. Much of Piedmont's success came from the bench, which helped the Lions pull away. Piedmont managed to score 43 bench points as Carly Sales and Jatasia Bailey put up a combined 36. Bailey hit 5-of-6 from long range. 
 
Senior guard Jessica Myers finished with 21 points and six steals while junior guard Ariana Covington added 11 points and five rebounds.
 
Despite the loss, Averett has continued to show improvement under the leadership of head coach Liz Hickey. The Cougars' record, both in overall and conference play, has increased every season except for one. This season, Averett finished with a .562 conference percentage, the highest it's been since the 2009-2010 season.