DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University men's basketball pulled within 10 early in the second half, but Pfeiffer University pulled away for a 109-76 victory on Tuesday night at the Grant Center.

Averett (6-5) kept up with the unique, high-octane style of Pfeiffer (9-0) early on and did a good job of keeping the score low early, but the Falcons eventually built a double-digit lead thanks to a 9-0 run midway through the first period. Pfeiffer, which joined the USA South Conference this season but doesn't count toward league standings because the Falcons are transitioning from Division II to Division III, extended the lead to 55-40 by halftime.

The Cougars opened the second half strong, and back-to-back-to-back layups by junior Jalen Burnett, sophomore Ian Best and freshman Raymond Bullock III pulled Averett within 61-51 with 15:23 to play. Soon after, however, Pfeiffer added another 9-0 run to gain momentum and eventually pull away.

Senior James Contreras Jr. led Averett with 25 points and three steals, while freshman Montre' Cash finished with 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Bullock chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.

Averett hosts conference foe Covenant College at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.