LYNCHBURG, Va. — Redshirt sophomore Timayahs Bracey scored a team-high 23 points, but it wasn't enough as Averett University men's basketball fell short 84-73 to University of Lynchburg in Old Dominion Athletic Conference action on Wednesday night.

Averett (12-7, 5-5 ODAC) led 6-4 early on, but Lynchburg (12-9, 8-2 ODAC) surged ahead over the next few minutes. The Hornets held a 39-29 advantage by halftime after the Cougars ended the opening period with a 7-1 run over the final four minutes.

Back-to-back 3-pointers by sophomore Mason Mitchell and Bracey got Averett back within 50-41 with 15:22 to play, and the Cougars chipped Lynchburg's lead down to 56-50 over the next three minutes. The Hornets extended their lead back to double digits down the stretch as Averett's comeback ran out of time.

Bracey drained five 3-pointers and also finished with a career-high eight assists to lead Averett, which also got 14 points from Mitchell. Sophomore Jackson Sellars had eight points and a team-high eight rebounds for Averett. Averett tied its season-high with 13 made 3-pointers — a feat Averett has accomplished three times over the last four games.

Bracey's eight assists is the most by a Cougars since Montre' Cash had 10 against Covenant College on Jan. 16, 2021.

Jamarcus Brown led Lynchburg with 36 points.

Averett hosts Virginia Wesleyan University on Friday when the two teams resume a suspended game from Jan. 10. The game will resume with the Cougars leading 47-43 with 9:39 left in the second half.

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