BUENA VISTA, Va. — Averett University men's basketball used a big second half to roll past Southern Virginia University 76-58 in non-conference action on Wednesday night.

Down by two points at halftime, Averett (1-1) dominated play in the second half by outscoring Southern Virginia (0-1) by a 20-point margin over the final 20 minutes. After redshirt sophomore Blair Crumbie tied the game at 32-32 with a quick jumper to start the second period, the Cougars were sparked by sophomore Mason Mitchell's three 3-pointers in less than a two-minute span. Although the Knights hung close midway through the half, Averett used a 15-2 run to add some distance.

Redshirt sophomore Timayahs Bracey scored 14 of Averett's final 17 points as the Cougars pulled away. Bracey had 24 points and Mitchell finished with 21 points — both new career-highs. Crumbie added a career-best 15 points and sophomore Jackson Sellars chipped in 11 points as Averett picked up its first win of the season. Mitchell, Sellars and sophomore Zach Skogen each grabbed six rebounds for Averett, which shot 51 percent from the field and 50 percent (11-for-22) from beyond the arc.

The Cougars jumped out to a 7-0 lead to start the game, but Southern Virginia responded by tying the game at 7-7. The game remained a two-score game throughout the rest of the first half as the Knights took a 32-20 advantage into halftime.

D.J. Green led Southern Virginia with 27 points.

Averett returns to action on Friday when the Cougars return home to face Greensboro College at 7 p.m.


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