DANVILLE, Va. — Sophomore Montre' Cash electrified the Averett University men's basketball team with a career-high 27 points in a 78-65 win over N.C. Wesleyan College on Wednesday evening in USA South Conference action at the Grant Center.

Averett (7-15, 7-7 USA South) came out firing early and often, opening up a 19-8 lead with just over 13 minutes remaining in the opening half of play. The Cougars closed out the final 13 minutes of play on a 25-19 run to take a 17 point lead into halftime at 44-27.

N.C. Wesleyan (18-4, 11-3 USA South), the leader atop the East Division standings, cut their deficit 51-44 with 13:17 remaining in the second half. However, the Cougars responded in winning fashion by increasing the lead back to 16 points hanging on for the lead thanks to some late stops and key free throws.

Cash finished the night both with a career and game-high 27 points, while juniors Timothy Henry and Moriba Diaby each added 17 and 11 points, respectively. Diaby tied freshman KeShawn Lewis for a game-high eight rebounds, turning in one of his best performances for the Cougars. Sophomore Bryson Davis totaled a career-high seven points and Raymond Bullock III also had with seven points and pulled down seven boards.

Additionally, Lewis dished out a game-high four assists as the Cougars finished the evening with a 46-29 rebound margin, collecting 16 offensive boards and finishing 48.4 percent to N.C. Wesleyan's 36.4 percent from the field for the game.

With the win, Averett has won four straight games dating back to an 86-62 win on the road against Methodist University.

The Cougars return back to the hardwood on Saturday as they play their final road regular-season contest against William Peace University at 2 p.m.