RALEIGH, N.C. — A big first half helped Averett University men's basketball cruise to an 89-69 conference win over William Peace University on Friday afternoon at Hermann Athletic Center.  

Averett (1-3, 1-2 USA South) put together a strong defensive performance, which helped spark the offense early in the first half to set the tone. The Cougars made four steals and scored 11 points off turnovers in the first four minutes of the game while using a 14-0 run to take an 18-5 advantage by the 16-minute mark.

Although William Peace (2-7, 1-6 USA South) pulled to within nine points twice in the first half, Averett continued to shine on both ends of the floor to re-extend its lead to more than 20 points. The Cougars led by as much as 29 points before taking a 54-30 advantage into halftime following a tip-in at the buzzer by freshman Jason Sellars II. Averett shot 61.8 percent from the floor over the first 20 minutes and turned 11 Pacers turnovers into 19 points.

With a solid lead built up, Averett had little trouble staying in front by double digits throughout the second half. The Pacers trimmed their deficit to 14 midway through the period before the Cougars finished off William Peace in the final minutes to get the 20-point victory — the team's first of the season.

Overall, Averett turned 19 Pacer turnovers into 30 points. Meanwhile, the Cougars shot 50 percent for the game and 43.8 percent (7-for-17) from beyond the arc — both season highs. Senior Montre' Cash scored 16 of his game-high 23 points in the first half, while redshirt junior Isaiah Jones totaled 17 points, five rebounds and five steals. Senior Raymond Bullock III added 14 points and six boards, Sellars totaled a career-best 13 points and sophomore Corey Baldwin finished with nine points and five assists. Senior Bryson Davis also tied for the team lead with six rebounds.

Beau Bryant led William Peace with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Averett and William Peace are scheduled to face off again Sunday in Danville at 1 p.m. in the Grant Center. The Cougars will honor their seniors prior to the game.