DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University men's basketball had its 11-game conference winning streak snapped with an 80-74 home loss to Southern Virginia University on Thursday night at the Grant Center.
 
Averett (14-10, 11-2 USA South), which already clinched the USA South East Division earlier this week, ran out of time late in its comeback attempt against Southern Virginia (13-11, 7-6 USA South), which was fighting for the last playoff spot from in the East.

Averett opened the game with a 12-4 advantage, and the Cougars extended their lead to 29-14 on redshirt freshman Jem Lowrance's layup with 5:54 left in the period. Southern Virginia, however, fought back to get within 34-32 just before the break with a barrage of 3-pointers. Junior Jalen Rowell's jumper gave the Cougars a 36-32 lead at halftime.

Despite five quick points to start the half by Rowell, Southern Virginia put together a run to take a 46-43 lead. Although Lowrance tied it moments later with a 3-pointer, the Knights when on a 9-2 run to put some distance on the Cougars. The Knights led by as many as 10 points before Averett got within four on junior Bryson McLaughlin's layup with just over a minute remaining. Still, Southern Virginia held on over the final minute.

Lowrance scored a career-high 19 points, while Rowell added 17 points. Lewis and junior Corey Baldwin each had 10 points, with Baldwin grabbing a team-high nine rebounds.

The loss was Averett's first in conference since Dec. 11.

Southern Virginia hit 11 3-pointers in the game as Elliott Spencer and Conner Marchant finished with 23 points and 22 points, respectively.

Averett finishes the regular season with a home game Saturday against Methodist University at 2 p.m., which will be the Cougars' Senior Day.


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