FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — The Averett University men's basketball team rolled to an 86-62 road victory over Methodist University Saturday afternoon in USA South Conference action.

Averett (4-15, 4-7 USA South) opened Saturday's contest on an early 8-2 run before the Monarchs pulled within one point at 8-7 with 15:13 remaining in the first half.

However, the Cougars exploded for a 39-15 run propelling them to a 47-22 lead at halftime as junior Vince Contreras aided that run with 14 points, while freshman Isaiah Jones added eight points and junior Timothy Henry contributed seven points.

The Cougars would continue their hot streak to start the second half opening up a 53-24 lead before Methodist ( 9-10, 7-4 USA South) closed out the first 10 minutes of the second half on a 14-11 run to cut the deficit to 62-38

Both squads would play a tightly contested 25-24 Cougar advantage over the final 10 minutes of regulation as the Monarchs were unable to overcome Averett's dominate first half run.

Five Cougars finished Saturday's matchup with double-digit point totals as Jones paced the team with a game-high 21 points, while Henry added 16, Contreras 16 and sophomores Montre Cash and Raymond Bullock III finished with 12 points apiece.

Henry added a career-high five assists on the afternoon, while sophomore Bryson Davis dished out a career-high four assists.

Averett returns back to action Wednesday, Jan. 30 as they travel to Greensboro, N.C. for a 5:30 p.m. meeting with rival Greensboro College.