DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University men's basketball's go-ahead shot attempt didn't fall in the final seconds as Methodist University escaped with a 74-73 victory in USA South Conference action on Friday at the Grant Center.

In a game where the score differential reached more than five points for only less than one minute of the 40-minute contest, the two teams battled closely down the stretch. Averett (0-3, 0-2 USA South) trailed 70-65 with just under five minutes remaining, but the Cougars fought back to take a 73-70 advantage as part of an 8-0 run capped off by a tip-in from senior Bryson Davis. With 1:56 to play.

Methodist (3-1, 3-0 USA South) pulled within 73-72 at the other end on a pair of free throws, and the Monarchs reclaimed a one-point lead on their next possession with T.J. East jumper in the paint with 1:01 to remaining. After Averett missed a shot on its ensuing possession, Methodist drew a foul with 11.6 seconds to go. The Monarchs missed both free throws, giving the Cougars one more chance. However, that shot didn't fall in the final seconds.

Led by senior Montre' Cash's 16 points and a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds from redshirt junior Isaiah Jones, five Averett players scored in double figures. Senior Raymond Bullock III, who hit four clutch free throws late to give Averett a 71-70 lead late, had 14 points. Freshman Jason Sellars II matched his career-high of 12 points and sophomore Corey Baldwin added 11 points off the bench. Cash and Sellars also chipped in seven rebounds each. Junior Jalen Rowell also provided a spark off the bench, totaling four points, three rebounds, two blocks and a steal.

However, the difference seemed to be the Monarchs' success from beyond the arc. Methodist finished 11-for-27 from 3-point range despite being outrebounded by the Cougars 41-29. Garren Dearman, who hit four 3-pointers, totaled 26 points, while Dante Burden had 16 points and Clayton Coe finished with 12 points — all from downtown.

Averett took a 40-38 lead into halftime following a pair of free throws from Sellars in the final seconds of the period. Both teams shot well in the opening 20 minutes, with Methodist making 51.7 percent of its shots and the Cougars knocking down 47.1 percent of their field goal attempts. Averett, however, dominated the boards, outrebounding the Monarchs 20-14 in the first half, including a 10-4 margin on the offensive glass.