DANVILLE, Va. — A strong second half helped Averett University women's basketball cruise to an 86-55 conference victory over Meredith College on Saturday afternoon at the Grant Center.

Five Cougars scored in double figures as Averett (6-5, 3-1 USA South) extended a five-point halftime lead to as many as 21 points by the end of the game. Junior Amani Ajayi and sophomore Kiara Smith set career-highs with 19 points and 16 points, respectively, to help the Cougars win their third game in a row.

Averett built a 22-13 lead in the first quarter on Meredith (0-11, 0-3 USA South). Early in the second quarter, the Avenging Angels fought back to take a 27-26 lead thanks to a 9-0 run that included consecutive 3-pointers. Down 30-29 with 6:39 to play in the first half, Averett finished the period on a 10-4 run — capped by a 3-pointer by junior Alixis Roccia — to take a 39-34 advantage into halftime.

What helped separate Averett from Meredith was the Cougars' work on the boards. The Cougars outrebounded the Angels 57-37, which led to 32 second-chance points. Averett also scored 21 points off 17 turnovers.

In addition to Ajayi and Smith, Averett got double-doubles from sophomores Brooke Carthon and Ravyn Johnson. Johnson had 10 points and a career-best 15 rebounds, while Carthon finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Roccia added 10 points and six rebounds. Senior Samm Chandler, who chipped in seven points and five rebounds, made one block to move within one of tying the program record.

Averett takes the court again on Sunday when the Cougars play host to conference foe William Peace University at 1 p.m. in the Grant Center.