MISENHEIMER, N.C. — Four Averett University women's basketball players scored in double figures, but it wasn't enough as the Cougars had their five-game winning streak snapped with a 77-66 loss in a non-conference matchup with Pfeiffer University in Merner Gym.
 
Pfeiffer (9-1) grabbed the lead for good midway through the third quarter and thwarted off several comeback attempts by Averett (8-6) down the stretch. The Cougars trimmed a nine-point, fourth-quarter deficit down to just four on a pair of free throws by junior Alixis Roccia with 1:51 to play. However, the Falcons answered with a layup and then hit five of six free throws to seal the game.
 
Although Pfeiffer joined the USA South Conference this season, the Falcons don't count toward the conference standings and are ineligible for postseason play as the school reclassifies from NCAA Division II to Division III.
 
Averett and Pfeiffer jostled back and forth during the first half, with the Falcons taking a 36-30 lead into halftime. The Cougars jumped in front by one point twice in the third quarter before Pfeiffer regained the lead for good.
 
Pfeiffer shot 50 percent from the field in the second half and 41.2 percent for the game.
 
Averett sophomore Brooke Carthon paced the Cougars with her second double-double of the season with 16 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Senior Samm Chandler followed with 15 points, junior Amani Ajayi finished with 12 points and six rebounds and Roccia added 10 points. Sophomore Ravyn Johnson also snagged 12 rebounds.
 
A'Mya McClain led Pfeiffer with 22 points and Dajea Scott helped with 14 points of her own.
 
Averett returns to action on Sunday when it travels to rival Ferrum College for a 2 p.m. matchup.