HAMPDEN-SYDNEY, Va. — Averett University men's basketball defeated Hampden-Sydney College 80-66 on Wednesday night in the Cougars' season opener at Fleet Gymnasium.
 
Averett (1-0) took control of the game early, building a 16-10 lead over the first eight and a half minutes. However, Hampden-Sydney (0-1) battled back with a 7-0 run to take a one-point advantage — the Tigers' only lead of the game. The Cougars jumped back in front, using a 12-2 run to end the half to take a 35-25 lead into the break.
 
Averett held Hampden-Sydney in check throughout the second half. The Tigers got as close as six points, 68-62, with 3:06 to play. The Cougars answered with senior Darin Ketner's 3-pointer moments later to extend the lead back to nine. Averett's lead never shrunk from there as the built a 14-point advantage by the end of the game.
 
Senior James Contreras Jr. led the way for the Cougars throughout the game with a total of 19 points and eight rebounds. Freshman Montre' Cash had 10 points with four rebounds and four assists. Sophomore Vince Contreras led the team in rebounds with nine in total and also finished with 10 points.
 
Averett shot nearly 42 percent from the field and also outrebounded Hampden-Sydney 50-29.
 
Hunter Kuehn led the Tigers with 16 points and four rebounds. Malik Crute followed behind with 13 points and two rebounds.
 
Averett is back in action at the Grant Center on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 12 p.m. against Concordia University Texas.