DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University men's basketball fell 78-67 to William Peace University as the Pacers overcame the Cougars in the second half Tuesday night in the Grant Center.
 
Averett (1-3) led 36-32 at halftime after a strong start that saw the Cougars jumped out to a 27-15 lead following a three-point play by freshman Jamison Graves, who scored 15 of his career-high 24 points in the first half. However, William Peace (3-3) went on a 9-0 scoring run late in the period to tie it, 32-32, before seniors Jason Sellars II and Jordan Lewis each hit baskets to increase Averett's lead back to four points at the break.

The Cougars' lead grew to seven at the start of the second half before William Peace began to chip away. The Pacers tied it, 46-46, with 15 minutes to play. Averett temporarily held off the Pacers, who eventually grabbed a 50-48 lead. The Cougars regained a 59-56 lead on a 3-pointer by redshirt junior Jem Lowrance with 9:17 left. Yet, William Peace followed with 14-2 run to surge ahead 70-61 with 3:33 remaining. Averett got back within five several times but the Pacers pulled away with free throws late to snap an eight-game losing streak to the Cougars.

In addition to Graves' career night, junior Bryce Shaw finished with 13 points and a team-high seven rebounds and matched his career-high of three assists. Lewis added 12 points and three assists.

Averett travels to Ferrum College for Old Dominion Athletic Conference play on Saturday before returning home on Sunday to face Maryville College.
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