WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Averett University women's basketball outscored Salem College in the second half, but the Cougars couldn't overcome a first-quarter deficit in a 74-61 conference road loss to the Spirits on Saturday afternoon.

Averett (4-16, 4-9 USA South) got a career-game from sophomore Natija Pate, who notched her first career double-double in a return to her hometown. She had a career-highs of 13 points and 11 rebounds as the Cougars tried to rally back in the final two quarters. Coupled with sophomore Talia Prosper's 16 points and sophomore Kalie Fleming's career-best 12 points, Averett closed the gap late after outscoring Salem (3-16, 2-11 USA South) 23-18 in the final frame. However, it wasn't enough to catch the Spirits.

Averett, playing without its two leading scorers, got off to a cold start from the floor as Salem raced to an 18-4 lead after one quarter. The Cougars' offense warmed up in the second quarter to score 17 points, but Salem still took a 38-21 advantage into halftime.

The loss snapped Averett's eight-game winning streak against Salem.
 
Averett returns home on Sunday for a conference matchup with Methodist University at 2 p.m. The Cougars will honor their four seniors prior to the game.


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