LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. ­— Averett University men's basketball nearly overcame a 14-point deficit in the final six minutes, but Covenant College held on for a 67-63 conference victory Saturday afternoon.

Averett (9-14, 7-5 USA South) nearly erased a 13-point hole at the start of the second half, getting within 48-47 with 12:28 to play. Covenant (13-10, 6-6 USA South) withstood the Cougars' rally and slowly reboult a 64-50 advantage with 6:08 to play. Yet, the Cougars once again mounted another comeback attempt. Averett went on a 12-2 run to get within 65-62 with 4:08 remaining.

Each team traded a free throw, keeping Covenant's lead at three points with 3:35 to go. Neither team scored again until the Scots made one of two free throws in the final seconds to all but seal the game.

Covenant controlled the game early, racing out to a 17-6 lead on its home court before taking a 39-28 advantage into halftime.

Junior James Contreras Jr. led Averett offensively with 16 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Senior Charles Bryant added 15 points and a team-high nine rebounds, inching his way closer to Averett's all-time rebounding record. Bryant now has 840 career rebounds, just eight shy of DeMarcus Morrison's record of 848.

Sophomore Jalen Burnett added 13 points and five rebounds for the Cougars, who finish the regular season with a pair of home games.

Averett hosts William Peace University at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday.