VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Averett University men's basketball lost 65-58 to North Carolina Wesleyan University on Sunday to finish off play at Virginia Wesleyan University's North Beach Plastic Surgery Winter Classic.

Tied 24-24 at halftime, Averett (5-4) led 30-28 as late as 17:47 to go in the second half. However, N.C. Wesleyan (6-5) used a 12-2 run over the next few minutes to seize control of the lead. The Cougars remained within striking distance but couldn't make up the difference down the stretch.

Averett led for most of the first half but never led by more than five points. The Cougars shot a season-low 34.7 percent from the floor.

Senior Bryce Shaw scored 15 points with five rebounds, while freshman Zach Skogen nearly had a double-double with 12 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Graduate student Jason Sellars II also had double-digit scoring with 11 points to go with seven rebounds. Redshirt freshman Timayahs Bracey added a career-high nine points for the Cougars.

Averett travels to the University of Mary Washington on Dec. 19 for a 5 p.m. tip.

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