BUENA VISTA, Va. — It was the tale of two halves Thursday evening as the Averett University women's basketball team dropped a hard fought 64-59 decision to Southern Virginia University on the road in non-conference action. 

Averett (6-5) came out and pushed the tempo early in Thursday's showdown, rolling off a 19-12 lead following the opening quarter of play and edged its first quarter effort with a 15-7 second quarter run to take a 34-17 advantage into the half. 

The Cougars managed to force double-digit turnovers by the Knights in the opening half and capitalized on clutch outside shooting, as senior Kiara Smith and freshman Courtney Scott both knocked down long range 3-point baskets down the stretch. 

However, Southern Virginia (10-2) turned the tide in the second half, finishing the third quarter on a 22-13 scoring run, pulling within five points of the Cougars with under five minutes remaining in the game. Before taking the lead with just over two minutes remaining and managing to fend off a late Cougars run to hang of for the 64-59 victory. 

Senior Brooke Carthon lead the way with a team-high 15 points and three assists, while sophomore Camryn Lunsford notched double-digits with 11 points and finishing one rebound short of tying a career-high with eight. 

Fellow sophomore Genesis Weiters turned in her best performance of the season as the forward tied a career-high with eight points, two assists and collected seven rebounds after getting the start. 

Additionally, senior Ravyn Johnson finished with nine points and seven rebounds, while freshman Courtney Scott added seven points.

The Cougars return to action on Tuesday when they host Mid-Atlantic Christian University at 6 p.m.