NCAA Box Score

FERRUM, Va. --  The Ferrum College men's basketball team led by as many as 14 points in the second half and held on for a 59-57 USA South victory over Averett University at home. 

The Panthers led 34-20 with 14:45 left to play, only to see the Cougars outscore them 32-17 over the next 13 minutes to take a 52-51 lead with less than two minutes remaining in regulation.  The two teams traded leads three times in the waning minutes. 

Ferrum went up for good, when Derek Mitchell drove in the lane, scored the basket and was fouled.  Mitchell's ensuing free-throw attempt was good, but was waved off due to a lane violation, and the Panthers led 58-57.  Mitchell would later knock down a free-throw with one second remaining for the final count. 

Mitchell led Ferrum with 24 points and 13 rebounds.  J.T. Edwards added 22 points, while Henry Hall added 11.  Averett (6-11, 3-3 USA South) was led by Brandon Malone, who had 28 points.  He was the Cougars' lone double-digit scorer. 

Ferrum (9-9, 3-3 USA South) returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 27, at home against North Carolina Wesleyan College.  The USA South game tips off at 7:30 p.m. at Swartz Gymnasium.