DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University men's basketball pulled within seven points several times midway through the second half, but Virginia Wesleyan University pulled away late for a 72-54 non-conference win Wednesday night at the Grant Center.

Although Virginia Wesleyan (3-2) never trailed, Averett (0-5) stayed within striking distance throughout most of the first half despite an off shooting night. The Cougars were within 28-24 of the Marlins with under two minutes to play in the opening period before Virginia Wesleyan ended the half with a 6-0 run to take a 34-24 advantage into the locker rooms.

In the second half, Averett pulled within seven points on sophomore Montre' Cash's 3-pointer with 13:43 to play. The Cougars got within seven points several times over the next minutes as Virginia Wesleyan answered. However, down the stretch, the Marlins eventually pulled away after shooting 46.2 percent from the floor.

Tim Fisher led four Virginia Wesleyan scorers in double figures with 25 points along with 11 rebounds.

Averett was led by junior Timothy Henry's 12 points and five rebounds and junior Vince Contreras' 10 points and three steals. Cash and senior Jalen Burnett each had seven points, while freshman Isaiah Jones had a team-high seven boards and three blocks.

Averett faces non-conference foe Roanoke College, which is receiving votes in the national poll, on Saturday at 2 p.m.