DANVILLE, Va. — A big second half run proved to be too much for Averett University men's basketball to overcome in a 92-79 home loss to Guilford College on Wednesday night.
Down by seven at halftime, Averett (14-10, 7-8 ODAC) fell behind by double digits in the opening minutes of the second half. However, the Cougars rallied to tie the game at 55-55 on sophomore
Mason Mitchell's 3-pointer with 14:27 left. Averett eventually inched ahead 61-59 on freshman
Tyler Stephens' offensive rebound and putback minutes later.
Tied 65-65, Guilford (13-11, 7-8 ODAC) used its defense to spark a 16-0 run over the next three and a half minutes to take control. Although Averett got within single digits with three minutes to play, the Cougars ran out of time.
Despite the loss, Stephens had a stellar performance in which he scored 20 points, matched his career-high of 13 rebounds and notched his sixth double-double of the season.
Averett opened the game strong as redshirt sophomore
Timayahs Bracey hit a pair of 3-pointers to give the Cougars a quick 6-2 advantage. Averett and Guilford traded the lead throughout the first period. The Cougars' 33-31 disappeared thanks to a 12-run by the Quakers late in the half. While Averett used an 8-0 run to chip away, Guilford still took a 48-41 lead into halftime.
Bracey finished with 17 points and sophomore
Jackson Sellars also had a double-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Averett outrebounded Guilford 53-39.
The Cougars host Eastern Mennonite University on Saturday at noon to finish the regular season.
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