FERRUM, Va. — Ferrum College outlasted Averett University 100-96 in double overtime in the USA South Conference opener for both men's basketball teams on Wednesday night.
 
A back-and-forth battle typical of the rivalry, the game featured 15 ties and 15 lead changes. Averett (5-3, 0-1 USA South) held a 74-71 lead in the final seconds, but Ferrum (2-4, 1-0 USA South) tied it on Josh Grimard's 3-pointer with 16 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

The Panthers inched ahead 82-78 in overtime with 44 seconds to go in the period. Yet, Averett found a way to force another overtime. Senior James Contreras Jr. got a layup to get the Cougars within two, and after Ferrum missed a free throw, freshman Montre' Cash tied the game with a layup in the final seconds.

The difference for Ferrum was the 3-pointer, especially in the second overtime. The Panthers hit three shots from beyond the arc to open the period and take a 91-86 advantage. After Contreras' 3-pointer with 1:35 to play tied it at 93-93, Ferrum again hit from long range — its 16th 3-pointer of the game. Ferrum hit its final four free throws in the final seconds to seal the game.

Ferrum shot 53.8 percent from the floor, including 16-for-36 from 3-point range. Meanwhile, Averett shot 45.7 percent overall, won the rebounding battle 45-34 and had a season-low eight turnovers while also outscoring Ferrum 29-17 on second-chance points.

Contreras finished with 30 points to led Averett's offense, which had six players score in double-figures. Cash added 15 points, sophomore Jamal Forde had 12 points and senior Darin Ketner had 10 points. Freshman Raymond Bullock III notched his first career double-double with career-highs of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore Timothy Henry nearly had a double-double as well, finishing with 10 points and a career-best nine rebounds.

Averett hosts N.C. Wesleyan College on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Grant Center.