DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University men's basketball knocked off William Peace University 87-78 in an intense conference thriller on Tuesday night at the Grant Center.

Ahead by three at halftime, Averett (3-10, 3-2 USA South) quickly extended its lead to 51-41 in less than two minutes with a 7-0 run capped by freshman Isaiah Jones' electric, transition dunk. Back-to-back William Peace technical fouls moments later helped the Cougars take control as Averett grew its lead to as much as 14 points multiple times.

William Peace (7-6, 3-2 USA South) fought back, cutting its deficit to five points several times — the last coming at the 4:32 mark. Yet, Averett withstood the Pacers' rally and held on in the final minutes for its second consecutive victory thanks to hitting several key free throws and dominating the glass.

As a team, Averett outrebounded William Peace 49-28 overall, including 27-13 in the second half. Six Cougars had at least six rebounds, led by sophomore Raymond Bullock III, who had eight boards and nine points while making some key plays late.

William Peace hit several big 3-pointers early in the first half as the Pacers built a 34-23 advantage with 7:37 left in the opening period. Averett chipped away over the final minutes and tied the game at 41-41 on Jones' free throws with 35 seconds to go. A William Peace turnover in the final seconds led to a transition 3-pointer by Jones at the buzzer to put the Cougars on top 44-41 at halftime and gave them momentum entering the second half.

Junior Vince Contreras led Averett with 23 points along with six rebounds, while junior Timothy Henry totaled 12 points and seven boards.  Senior Jalen Burnett also scored in double figures with 14 points. Jones, junior Moriba Diaby and sophomores Harrison Cochran and Montre' Cash also finished with six rebounds apiece for the Cougars, who shot 46.8 percent from the floor.

Averett begins a two-game road trip on Saturday when the Cougars travel to conference foe Huntingdon College.