HARRISONBURG, Va. – Averett University women's basketball picked up arguably its best win of 2025-26, storming back in the fourth quarter to win its second straight ODAC game, defeating Eastern Mennonite University 62-55.
Averett (6-8, 2-4 ODAC) began hot with three quick points, until a quick switch in offense from Eastern Mennonite (5-10, 0-6 ODAC) led to a 7-0 run. Closing the gap to one at 9-8, the Royals' lead went back up by multiple field goals, and ended the period scoring seven out of the nine total points through the last fourth of the quarter.
Trailing 16-10, the
Kyjana Jordan and
Kiera Perkins show came to town, splitting the team's four field goals to rocket back into the lead, while the Cougars held Eastern Mennonite scoreless during that frame.
The home side rallied back in convincing fashion, with Averett scoring one point in the last seven minutes of the period, while the Royals' 14 had them up 30-19 at the half.
Free throws started the third quarter in favor of Eastern Mennonite, and knocked down both to extend its lead to 13. Despite only one field goal made for the Royals, the home side had successful trips to the charity stripe as they remained ahead, but the Cougars four more field goals made slowly trickled into a six-point deficit with under five minutes left in the quarter.
The breakthrough happened for the visitors, tying the game up at 41 following a flawless 6-6 of free throws combined with five different Averett players having recorded points. Momentum flipped back to the visitors with the last period on deck.
Eastern Mennonite's Kaylene Todd collected three points to help aid the Royals to a 44-43 lead, but it was the last they had a grasp of for the whole quarter. From 6:42 until the clock had zeroes, the Cougars outscored Eastern Mennonite 19-11, thanks in large part to
Elisa Harris' six points in this stretch. Averett's valiant fourth quarter turnaround led to its second straight ODAC win of the year, 62-55.
The freshman Jordan showed out for a career-best night, scoring 17 points along with five rebounds and a block.
DaiShaundria Giggetts and
Crishya Sellers also recorded 10-plus points, with 13 and 11, respectively. The aforementioned two also notched four steals each. Giggetts dominated the boards for a new high in rebounds, with 13.
One of the key statistics that led to Averett's turnaround tonight was points off turnovers, where they won that battle 16-9.
The Cougars host an ODAC contest versus Guilford College next on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Start time is set for 7 p.m.
