BREVARD, N.C. — Averett University men's basketball took control midway through the second half and knocked off USA South Conference newcomer Brevard College 77-67 in a non-conference meeting Friday night.

Averett (11-11) trailed by one at halftime, but the Cougars quickly surged in front thanks to a pair of 3-pointers by freshman Harrison Cochran in the opening minutes of the period. Although Brevard (4-17) regained a 50-48 lead with 12:58 remaining, Cochran helped fuel a 16-4 run by Averett that gave the Cougars their largest lead to that point, 64-54, with 8:03 to play.

Cochran and senior James Contreras Jr. kept Averett in front by mostly double-digits down the stretch in its first-ever meeting with Brevard, which became a member of the USA South this season but doesn't count toward the league standings as the Tornados reclassify from NCAA Division II to Division III.

Contreras led the Cougars with 22 points, while Cochran finished with 16 points and a career-high nine rebounds. Senior Darin Ketner added seven points and seven boards, while freshman Montre' Cash had eight points and six rebounds.

Despite shooting 60 percent in the first half and outrebounding the Tornados by 13, Averett found itself down for most of the opening period as Brevard forced 15 turnovers before halftime. The Tornados led by as many as 11 points early on before Averett rallied to take a 20-19 lead. Brevard got a dunk late in the period to salvage a 34-33 halftime lead.

The Cougars return to action on Saturday on the road at Piedmont College at 4 p.m.