WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Averett University women's basketball overcame a 17-point halftime deficit to edge Salem College 81-77 in USA South Conference action on Wednesday night.

After trailing 40-23 at halftime, Averett (7-5, 3-1 USA South) cut its deficit down to 10 by the end of the third quarter to get within striking distance. Junior Kiara Smith, who finished with 14 points despite battling foul trouble in the first half, hit several big 3-pointers to help the Cougars chip away at the Spirits' lead. Salem (0-11, 0-4 USA South) held off Averett until the final minutes when the Cougars made their crucial run. Senior Alixis Roccia tied the game at 70-70 with a 3-pointer with 4:14 to play and gave the Cougars' their first lead of the game on a fastbreak layup a minute later.

Although Salem tied the game on a Mikalla Burnette layup, Roccia answered with another key 3-pointer to help Averett retake a 75-72 advantage with 2:06 remaining. The Cougars pushed their lead to four points twice before Salem got within 78-77 on Taylor Mabe's deep 3-pointer with 44.1 seconds to play. 

The Cougars hit three free throws over the final 25 seconds and more importantly got two big offensive rebounds off misses. Roccia, who totaled a team-high 16 points, all-but sealed it with her free throw with 9.4 seconds left to give Averett a four-point lead.

Averett struggled offensive in the first half, shooting a mere 17.1 percent over the first 20 minutes as Burnette dominated for 18 first-half points as Salem built a double-digit lead. 

Burnette finished with 26 points, eight rebounds and five assists while Tyler Davenport added 23 points off the bench.

Five Cougars finished in double-digit scoring. In addition to Roccia and Smith, junior Brooke Carthon and senior Amani Ajayi each had 15 points. Ajayi also had 12 rebounds for a double-double, along with junior Ravyn Johnson, who netted 11 points and 13 rebounds. Roccia added seven assists and six boards.

The Cougars have won five straight against the Spirits.

Averett returns home to play host to conference foe Meredith College on Saturday at 4 p.m. following the men's basketball game.