FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Averett University men's basketball team fell 81-71 in conference play to Methodist University on Saturday afternoon at the Riddle Center.
 
Methodist (9-2, 4-0 USA South) shot 52 percent from the field with five players scoring in the double figures. Although Averett (6-4, 1-2 USA South) had two players to score in double digits, the Monarchs managed to work inside to benefit from the high-percentage shots. Methodist scored 42 points — over half its total — in the paint.
 
Although tied 34-34 at halftime 34-34, the Monarchs came out on a shooting frenzy and controlled the momentum for the majority of the second half. Averett cut the lead to two when senior James Contreras Jr. scored a layup in the paint with 4:30 remaining to get the Cougars within 65-63. But an 11-0 run by Methodist over the next two and a half minutes all but put the game out of reach.
 
Contreras Jr. led Averett with 26 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Jamal Forde added 11 points for the Cougars.
 
Averett returns to action Jan. 9 at home against Pfeiffer University at 7:30 p.m. in the Grant Center.