Box Score
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Averett couldn’t overcome a first-half deficit as the Cougars dropped their season-opener to Virginia Wesleyan College 81-66 on Wednesday night.
The Cougars (0-1) led 6-4 in the opening minutes, but Virginia Wesleyan used a 10-0 run to take the lead and eventually run away to a 46-29 advantage at the break.
Averett shot just 32.1 percent (9-for-28) from the field in the first half while Virginia Wesleyan (1-0) had little trouble scoring. The Marlins shot 64.2 percent in the first period and outrebounded Averett 20-11.
The Cougars did a better job in the second half, outscoring Virginia Wesleyan by two points. Yet, that first half hole proved to be too much. Averett made several runs with the help of its defense, but the Cougars couldn’t get within single digit’s the rest of the way.
Senior
Mike Miller and sophomore
Kenny Hart each led Averett with 12 points apiece. Junior
Deran Burns and sophomores
Ruben Pierce and
Victor Cortes all finished with nine points. Pierce also added a team-high nine rebounds, six steals, three blocks and three assists.
Virginia Wesleyan was led by Stephen Fields’ 21 points. Donald Vaughn added 16 points and eight rebounds.
Averett returns to action on Saturday against Eastern Mennonite University at 6 p.m. in the Don Glick Classic, which is hosted by Bridgewater College.