DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University men's basketball's late charge was held off in the final minutes as N.C. Wesleyan College escaped with a 78-72 conference victory on Wednesday afternoon at the Grant Center.

Averett (0-2, 0-1 USA South), playing its first game since Jan. 16 and only its second game of the season, trailed by 10 with five minutes to play. The Cougars, however, slowly chipped away at their deficit. Senior Montre' Cash's 3-pointer with 1:20 remaining pulled Averett within 73-70, and freshman Jason Sellars II put in a jumper in the paint with 41 seconds remaining to get the Cougars' margin down to only one point.

N.C. Wesleyan (6-3, 3-0 USA South) responded with a 3-pointer at the other end with 23.5 seconds to go. The Battling Bishops' defense made it hard for Averett to get off a good look late, and Damon McDowell's free throws in the final seconds sealed the game for N.C. Wesleyan.

Averett hit several big shots throughout the game and during its comeback runs. Yet, seemingly each time, N.C. Wesleyan answered at the other end to re-extend its lead.

Cash finished with a game-high 24 points to lead Averett's offense, which also got 12 points from Sellars and 11 points, five rebounds and three steals from redshirt junior Isaiah Jones. Sophomore Bryson McLaughlin grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds and matched his career-high of four assists.

McDowell led five Bishops in double-digit scoring with 17 points.

N.C. Wesleyan used a 9-0 run to build a 23-13 advantage midway through the first half. Averett, however, closed the gap down the stretch to get within 27-25 at the half. The Cougars' defense had five blocks — all in the first half — to help keep them within striking distance of the Bishops.

Averett is scheduled to host Methodist University on Friday at 4:30 p.m.