DANVILLE, VA.  The Monarchs' four game win streak was snapped Tuesday evening when host Averett University escaped with a 70-62 victory against Methodist men's basketball in USA South Athletic Conference action.

Over the final 4:15 of game time, the Cougars -- the top-seeded team in the conference -- went on a 15-3 run to steal the win, recovering from a 59-55 deficit. There were eight lead changes and 12 ties featured in total in the game. Dante Burden led Methodist in scoring (17), rebounding (8), and assists (3).

Methodist has already clinched a berth into the USA South Conference Tournament but currently sits a half-game back of the No. 2 seed in the East Division, now occupied by William Peace University.

THE ESSENTIALS
Final score: Averett def. Methodist, 70-62
Records: Methodist 14-10 (10-6 USA South); Averett 18-6 (14-2)
Location: Grant Center; Danville, Va.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• With 44 ticks left on the clock, it was a three-point game after Dante Burden's free throws sliced the deficit to 64-61. The next possession made all the difference in the game. Bryson McLaughlin made one of two free throws then recovered his own rebound and Montre Cash added two more free throws following an intentional foul. Those 10 seconds were a potential five or six-point swing in favor of Averett.
• Tied at 55, Calvin Manley earned the block of McLaughlin in the paint and Garren Dearman raced to the other end of the court for the go-ahead layup. Two free throws from Sam Mingledoff put the Monarchs ahead 59-55 with 4:15 remaining.
• There were five lead changes and eight ties in the second half of this game alone as the two teams traded buckets early and often.
• It looked like the Cougars would run away with the game early after a steal and a dunk gave Averett a 21-14 edge at the seven-minute mark. The seven-point lead was the largest of the game by either team.
• However, the Monarchs responded immediately with a 9-0 run to retake the lead. In the two-minute span, Malik Edwards provided some key plays, earning a steal that led to a Burden basket, assisting on a Calvin Manley layup, and then a three-point play to put Methodist ahead 23-21.

STAT FACTS

• Burden scored 12 of the Monarchs' 29 points in the second half.
• Manley finished with 10 points and four blocks and Kevin McLaughlin Jr. had 10 points and two assists.
• Mingledoff had nine points and four rebounds and Garren Dearman added eight points.
• Averett's work on the offensive glass was an x-factor as they outscored Methodist, 18-7, in second chance points.
• Timothy Henry led the Cougars with 19 points and six boards.

UP NEXT

• Methodist is in Kentucky for the regular season finale against Berea College, Saturday, February 22 at 11 a.m.
• The Cougars will be in Georgia for their regular season finale as they visit Piedmont College February 22 for a 4 p.m. game.