NCAA Box Score

FERRUM, Va. —  Deadlocked at 53-53 with 2:52 remaining, Ferrum College scored the final five points of the game to pull off a 58-53 come-from-behind USA South victory over Averett University at Swartz Gym tonight. The Panthers remain unbeaten in USA South action after handing Averett its first loss in conference play.

The Cougars were hot to start off the game, jumping out to a 9-2 advantage just over two minutes into the contest. Ferrum would claw back into the game and tie it up with 14:25 showing on the clock.  It was a see-saw battle from there as the two teams went into half tied at 30.

Ashley Washington capitalized on two free throws to give Averett (7-3, 3-1 USA South) a four point lead with 5:21 remaining in the game, before the Panthers closed the game on an 11-2 run.

Tesla Akers paced Ferrum (8-2, 4-0 USA South) with 15 points, including three treys. Kristen Keith was right behind her, contributing 14 points and a team-high five steals.

Overall, the lead changed 16 times and the Panthers turned 35 Averett miscues into 26 points.  Free-throw shooting proved to be the deciding factor in the game as Ferrum made 13-16 (81.3%) of its attempts compared to the Cougar's 9-17 (52.9%) clip.

Coach Bryan Harvey's squad returns to the court on Saturday, Jan. 8, taking on Methodist University.  The USA South contest is set to tip at 2 p.m. in Fayetteville, N.C.