DANVILLE, Va. -- Averett University jumped out to a 23-8 lead 10 minutes into the game and never trailed in a 69-59 USA South Athletic Conference women's basketball win over Ferrum College tonight at the Grant Center.

Jacole Hairston led all scorers with 22 points, including four three-pointers, and Zarkia Mattox added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the Panthets. Samm Chandler had 17 points and eight rebounds for the Cougars (7-10, 5-6 USA South), and Aundrea Burns had 10 points. Ferrum won the rebounding battle 43-40.

Ferrum (9-8, 7-4 USA South) returns to the hardcourt Saturday, Feb. 8, at Methodist University. The USA South game is scheduled to tip off at 4:00 p.m. in Fayetteville, North Carolina, following the Ferrum-Methodist men's game.