DANVILLE, Va. — Freshman Briana Payne's career-high 27 points, 10 point double-double paced the Averett University women's basketball team past Huntingdon College 69-60 on Saturday during the Cougar Tip-Off. 
 
Huntingdon (0-2) jumped out to an early 7-4 lead, however Averett rebounded to take the opening quarter 16-9, increasing its lead to 20-11 early into the second quarter. 
 
The Hawks battled back in the final minutes of the first half to tie the matchup at 31-31 lead by Indya Lawrence's 14-point opening half. 
 
Huntington closed out the half shooting 40 percent from the floor to the Cougars 26.3 percent. 
 
Averett (2-1) capitalized in the third quarter as senior Brooke Carthon hit a runner in the lane with .04 seconds remaining in the third quarter to give Averett a 50-47 point edge. 
 
The Cougars controlled the fourth quarter, winning 19-13 to take the game 69-60 as Carthon finished with the Cougars second double-double scoring 19 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. 
 
With her 19 point effort, Carthon passed Lynette Miles for eighth-place on the Avertt all-time scoring list. 
 
Carthon finished with a game-high 14 rebounds and four steals, while freshman Courtney Scott pushed the tempo for the Cougars in the final quarter, finishing the contest with four points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. 
 
Sophomore Genesis Weiters finished with six points and six rebounds for Averett, while Payne's career night lead all scorers as the freshman pulled down an impressive six offensive rebounds and collected three steals.
 
The Cougars return to action Sunday when they battle USA South Conference champion Piedmont College in the final game of the Cougar Tip-Off at 1 p.m.