HARRISONBURG, Va. — Averett University men's basketball lost 77-70 to Eastern Mennonite University after the Royals pulled away with free throws in the final minute for an Old Dominion Athletic Conference victory on Saturday.
Averett (4-14, 2-8 ODAC) trimmed a seven-point halftime deficit down to 45-43 in the first minute of the second half. EMU (5-11, 1-9 ODAC), however, built its lead back up with a two-minute stretch win which the Royals knocked down three 3-pointers and two free throws for an 11-0 run to take a 63-49 advantage.
The Cougars stayed within striking distance and cut their deficit to four points multiple times in the final five minutes, only to see EMU whether the storm and hold on. Redshirt junior
Jem Lowrance nailed a 3-pointer to pull Averett within 74-70 with 1:05 to play, but RMU hit three free throws and held Averett scoreless over the final minute to hold on.
EMU made 14 3-pointers for the game, aiding the Royals' cause.
Senior
Jordan Lewis led the Cougars with 15 points to go with five rebounds and four assists, while freshman
Isaiah Ramazani added 13 points off the bench. Senior
Jason Sellars II scored 12 points and moved into 12th all-time in rebounding as his six boards put him at 514 for his career — surpassing Averett Athletics Hall of Famer Jonathan Rumley's 511.
Tied 12-12 with 13:31 left in the first period, EMU used a 16-3 run over the next six minutes to take a 28-15 advantage. The Cougars clawed back to get within 31-27 on Ramazani's 3-pointer with 4:45 left in the first half. The Royals eventually took a 45-38 lead into the break.
Averett returns home to face nationally ranked Randolph-Macon College at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
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