BRIDGEWATER, Va. – A reliable second-half stream in offense for the ranked Bridgewater College Eagles put Averett University women's basketball out of reach on Friday night, as they defeated the Cougars 69-42 at Nininger Hall.
Averett (6-12, 2-8 ODAC) never held a lead through 20 minutes of highly contested basketball versus ranked Bridgewater (16-3, 9-1 ODAC), but its largest deficit was only six points. Five ties featured for both sides, including its most recent at the 3:21 mark in the second quarter when the visitors were tied with the Eagles at 22-22.
Leading into intermission, the tandem of Jay Garcia and Katie O'Connor went forth with six combined points to give Bridgewater a six-point lead before halftime, until
Lily Strittmatter pulled a late shot, a deep three-pointer, to cut the deficit right in half. Like their last contest together, the Cougars remained toe-to-toe with the Eagles, down only 28-25 with plenty of game to go.
One of the key methods to success for Averett thus far was its rebounding advantage, leading 23-18 in that margin through the first half.
Averett out-played the Eagles in field goals made in the third quarter, with seven made to the home team's six, but Bridgewater converted at slightly better efficiency. Combined with 10 made free throws to none for the Cougars, the Eagles led by 12 at the end of the third, 52-40.
Bridgewater made its way to the win with a comfortable lead held through the fourth quarter, large in part to made free throws, and the Cougars stymied in the field in that same time frame. The Eagles prevailed 69-42.
Keira Perkins and
DaiShaundria Giggetts both recorded 10 points for Averett, the team-high. Perkins recorded her first double-double in a Cougar uniform, as she hauled in a career-high 12 rebounds.
Averett returns to ODAC game play on Wednesday, Feb. 4, heading to Lynchburg to take on Randolph College at 7 p.m.
