DANVILLE, Va. — Despite a career-high 20 points from redshirt sophomore Tamayahs Bracey, Averett University men's basketball fell short down the stretch in a 74-68 non-conference loss to St. Mary's College of Maryland in their season-opening game Friday night in the E. Stuart James Grant Center.
 
Down by only one at halftime, Averett (0-1) surged ahead early in the second period as junior transfer Josh Seiler nailed back-to-back 3-pointers to push the Cougars in front 47-45. Another Seiler 3-pointer helped Averett take a 59-54 advantage with 9:20 remaining.

Tied 61-61 with 6:47 to play, the St. Mary's (1-0) put together a 7-0 run over the next four-plus minutes as Averett's offense cooled. The Cougars trimmed their deficit back down to three with 24 seconds left, but the Seahawks hit multiple free throws and a layup to prevail.
 
A tight, back-and-forth game from the start, Bracey hit three first-half 3-pointers — including one that put Averett ahead 20-18 with 5:58 left in the first half. St. Mary's hit a pair of free throws in the final minute to go ahead 31-30 by halftime.
Bracey surpassed his previous career-high of 19 points while also matching or setting career highs in rebounds and assists, respectively. Averett also got 15 points, six rebounds and a career-best seven assists from sophomore Jackson Sellars. Seiler added 13 points off the bench for the Cougars.

Averett returns to the court on Saturday with an exhibition at Division I High Point University at 5 p.m.
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