BEREA, Ky. — Averett University men's basketball dropped a close conference matchup at Berea College on Sunday, falling 80-76. 

Averett (7-7, 2-4 USA South) led 68-67 with 3:19 to play, but Berea (6-10, 3-6 USA South) went on a 7-0 run to jump in front 74-68 at the 1:21 mark. The Cougars pulled back within two points multiple times in the final minute but couldn't overcome the late deficit. 

The Cougars, who trailed by five at the half, overcame a nine-point, second-half deficit by putting together an 11-2 run to tie the game, 64-64, with 7:31 left. Averett took a one-point lead twice over the next six minutes before the Mountaineers retook the lead for good. 

Averett outscored Berea by one in the second half. 

For most of the first half, neither team enjoyed more than two-possession advantage. Berea slowly built as much as a 10-point lead before Averett trimmed it to five, 46-41, by halftime. 

Averett outrebounded Berea 41-30, but the Mountaineers hit five more 3-pointers to help account for the difference. 

Senior James Contreras Jr. led Averett with 23 points and Ian Best poured in a career-high 17 points. Senior Darin Ketner and freshman Harrison Cochran each added nine points, with Ketner grabbing a team-best nine rebounds. 

Averett returns home on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. game with rival Ferrum College.