FERRUM, Va. — Ferrum College used a strong performance in the second quarter to defeat the Averett University women's basketball team 79-60 in a conference matchup on Sunday afternoon at Swartz Gym.  
 
Ferrum (11-7, 6-0 USA South) only led 20-18 by the end of the first period, but at the start of the second quarter, the Panthers went on a scoring frenzy. A jumper from Brooke Lewis ignited an 11-0 run as the Panthers put the ball in the hoop in five consecutive possessions in just two minutes of play. Ferrum put up 24 points in the second quarter with 12 coming from Zarkia Mattox. Mattox led all scorers with 29 points.
 
In the second half, Averett (11-6, 4-3 USA South) got its rhythm going again. Ferrum only outscored the Cougars 35-33, but it wouldn't help Averett overcome the deficit. Junior guards Samm Chandler and Frida Lundquist led Averett with 14 and 12 points, respectively. Sophomore forward Amani Ajayi hauled in 10 boards for the Cougars and added seven points.
 
Averett hits the road again on Saturday, Jan. 28, to play Methodist University in USA South action at 4 p.m.