ASHLAND, Va. — Short-handed Averett University men's basketball's scrappy bid to upset No. 2 Randolph-Macon College fell short in a 68-54 non-conference loss Friday to finish play at the Yellow Jackets' Fink's Jewelers Coaches Tournament.

With only eight players dressed and missing its leading scorer and rebounder, Averett (2-8) hung tight with nationally ranked Randolph-Macon (10-1), which was also missing several players from its usual rotation. The Cougars stayed within a few possessions of Randolph-Macon for most of the first half before taking a late lead in the first period.

Down 21-18, Averett freshman Caleb Coleman drained a 3-pointer while being fouled, and his ensuing free throw gave the Cougars a 22-21 lead. Coleman, who had a breakout game, then got a steal and a layup to extend Averett's lead to 24-21 with 3:21 to play, forcing Randolph-Macon to call timeout.

The Yellow Jackets responded with four 3-pointers to finish the half on a 12-3 run as Randolph-Macon took a 33-27 advantage into the locker room.

Averett got as close as four points several times early in the second half, but Randolph-Macon held off any Cougar rallies down the stretch to escape with the win.

Coleman, whose previous career-high was three points twice, took advantage of his expanded role for a career-best 18 points in his first career start. Junior Bryson McLaughlin added 11 points, nine rebounds and four steals to earn a spot on the all-tournament team. Senior Jalen Rowell chopped in nine points, redshirt freshman Jem Lowrance had seven points and senior KeShawn Lewis had eight rebounds for Averett.

Tournament MVP Miles Mallory had 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead Randolph-Macon.

The Cougars are tentatively scheduled to play on Monday, Jan. 10, against Mary Baldwin University.