FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Averett University women's basketball picked up its fifth win in a row by crushing conference foe Methodist University 79-47 on Wednesday evening.

Defense helped lift Averett (8-5, 5-1 USA South) to its fourth consecutive conference win as the Cougars turned 32 Methodist turnovers into 39 points throughout the game.

Senior Samm Chandler and junior Alixis Roccia combined for 11 points early as Averett jumped out to a 15-4 advantage over Methodist (1-12, 1-4 USA South). The Cougars built a 42-25 lead by halftime.

An 11-0 Averett run early in the third quarter pushed the Cougars' lead to 27 points, all but sealing the game.

Chandler led Averett with 22 points, nine rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Sophomore Ravyn Johnson notched a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Roccia's finished with 13 points. Junior Amani Ajayi added nine points and nine rebounds, sophomore Samantha Tecson had 11 points and sophomore Brooke Cathryn chipped in 10 boards.

As a team, Averett outrebounded the Monarchs 64-44 for its second consecutive game with 64 or more rebounds.

Averett travels to Pfeiffer University on Saturday for a 2 p.m. game.