Box Score
Photo Gallery
DANVILLE, Va. — Averett jumped on Ferrum College from the start, allowing the Cougars to cruise to a 69-51 win in their USA South Conference opener on Wednesday at the Grant Center.
Averett (4-8, 1-0 USA South) built a 30-11 lead by the five-minute mark of the first half with its fast-paced, efficient offense. The Cougars, who had just three turnovers before the break, forced Ferrum into 12 turnovers in the first period.
Although Ferrum (6-7, 0-1 USA South) trimmed the deficit to 36-24 by halftime, the Panthers couldn't rebound from their rough start. Averett continued to shine and grew its lead to as much as 24 points after a
Kenny Hart 3-pointer with 6:43 remaining. The Cougars' advantage never got below 16 the rest of the way.
Hart led all scorers with 18 points, along with his five steals. Senior
Brandon Malone added 13 points, while senior
Chad Hardway and freshman
Michael St. John added eight points apiece. Hardway also grabbed nine rebounds.
Garry Brandt paced Ferrum with nine points.
The Cougars improved to 11-2 against Ferrum under head coach
Jimmy Allen.
Averett returns to action on Saturday when it hosts Greensboro College at 4 p.m. at the Grant Center.