DANVILLE, Va. — The Averett University men's basketball team won 108-90 in thrilling fashion over conference rival Greensboro College, withstanding a second-half rally by the Pride Saturday evening at the Grant Center. 
 
Averett (8-8, 3-5 USA South) got off to a hot start, knocking down eight of its 11 3-point attempts in the first half. The Cougars built as much as an 18-point lead over Greensboro (5-11, 2-7 USA South) on sophomore Ian Best's 3-pointer with 5:27 left in the half. Greensboro chipped a little of its deficit away and trailed 55-43 at the break.
 
In the second half, Greensboro used a 12-0 run to get back into the game as the Pride pulled withing 62-58 of Averett. The Cougars temporarily held Greensboro off, but eventually the Pride tied the game, 66-66, on a pair of Keyford Langley free throws with 12:04 to play. The Pride then took its first lead less than a minute later on Joseph Gatling's free throws. After the two teams traded baskets, Averett eventually retook the lead on senior Darin Ketner's layup with 8:05 remaining. 

With the game tied 79-79, Averett senior James Contreras Jr. went on a personal 6-0 run and sophomore Jamal Forde added a layup as the Cougars extended their lead back to 87-79 by the 5:02 mark. Soon after, Averett pushed its lead back to double digits over Greensboro and held on for a crucial conference win, netting a season-high 108 points in the process.

The Cougars shot a season-best 58.5 percent from the field and hit 12 3-pointers on 21 attempts. Averett also outscored Greensboro 29-16 off turnovers.

Contreras led the way with 30 points, six rebounds and five assists. Ketner followed with 12 points. Sophomore Timothy Henry added 11 points and seven rebounds and freshman Harrison Cochran finished with a career-high 11 points.

The Cougars return to action Sunday when they play host to Methodist University at the Grant Center at 3 p.m. following the women's game.