ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. — The Averett University women's basketball team hit 16 free throws in the fourth quarter to snag a 70-65 victory over N.C. Wesleyan College in USA South Conference action on Sunday at Everett Gym.
 
Averett (13-7, 6-3 USA South) trailed for most of the second half, but the Cougars took the lead midway through the fourth period. Freshman Brooke Carthon found senior center Jonna Koski on the inside for a layup that put Averett ahead 60-59 with 5:56 to go in regulation.
 
N.C. Wesleyan (8-11, 3-5 USA South) got within one point (63-62) with 1:21 left on the clock, however, the Cougars maintained their lead as the Bishops were forced to foul to stop the clock. Averett went 16-for-21 from the charity stripe to pull out the win.
 
Sophomore forward Amani Ajayi led Averett with 13 points and nine rebounds while junior guards Joelle Deese and Frida Lundquist also put up 13 points apiece. Averett now sits in the third spot of the USA South East Division standings.
 
After five straight road games, the Cougars return home on Saturday, Feb. 4, to host Greensboro College at 2 p.m.