DANVILLE, Va. — Averett University's women's basketball team won its home opener in dominant fashion, 73-55, over Methodist University to improve to 2-1 on the season.
Junior DaiShaundria Giggetts exploded for 21 points and 19 rebounds, the most rebounds in a single game by a Cougar since 2019.
Giggetts got Averett (2-1) started early with strong defense, forcing two steals as the Cougars held Methodist (1-2) to just 2-of-19 shooting from the field in the first quarter.
Freshman Samiyah Jackson took over in the second quarter, coming off the bench to score eight points and grabbing three rebounds in eight minutes of action.
By halftime, Giggetts already had 12 rebounds, one shy of matching her career high, as the Cougars took a 10-point lead into the break.
Averett continued its excellent defensive play in the second half, holding the Monarchs to 33 points over the final 20 minutes.
Methodist was led by Kayleen Grullon, who finished with a team-high 13 points and four rebounds.
The Cougars never trailed in the second half and never let their lead dip below 11 points. In the fourth quarter, junior Mariah Eberhardt hit the first 3-pointer for either team to help put the game out of reach.
Averett finished the game with 33 offensive rebounds and 77 total rebounds, the most by an ODAC team in a single game this season.
The culture of tough defense and rebounding under second-year head coach Tim Krotish has been on full display this season. Fans at the Grant Center witnessed it firsthand Friday evening as the Cougars earned their second blowout win in three games.
Averett will stay home and look to continue its early-season momentum when it takes on Covenant College in Danville on Nov. 21 at 1 p.m.
