DANVILLE, VA.  Averett University rode a big first quarter en route to a 82-61 victory over visiting Methodist women's basketball in USA South Athletic Conference play Wednesday evening.

The Cougars had a 24-7 lead entering the second quarter, which gave them enough cushion to withstand being outscored by the Monarchs in the second and third periods, 37-33.

Kadie Snipes had a team-high 15 points with a career-high 3 blocks, plus 3 rebounds and 2 assists. She caught fire in the second half, scoring 12 on four-of-eight shooting from deep. Emily Ricks, the only other Methodist player to score in double-digits, registered a new career-high with 13 points (six-of-nine shooting) and six boards.

JUST THE FACTS
Final score: Averett def. Methodist, 82-61
Records: Methodist 3-19 (2-11 USA South), Averett 14-7 (8-4)
Location: E. Stuart James Grant Center; Danville, Va.

HOW IT HAPPENED

• After Averett scored the first two baskets in the third quarter, the Monarchs utilized three three-point plays to go on a 10-0 run, cutting the deficit to 47-36. Snipes three-point play was the traditional shot from behind the arc while Zytipha Joines and Chakalyn Patterson went the and-one route for their three-point plays.
• The Monarchs woke up in the second quarter, winning the frame, 19-17. Embedded in the stanza were runs of 6-0 and 6-2 by Methodist.
• Averett began the contest by scoring the first 16 points of the game. The Cougars shot six-of-eight from the field and two-of-three from deep to start. 
• Snipes returned with another three-pointer to end the third period with the score at 57-44.
• In the fourth, the Cougars ended all hopes of a miracle rally, thanks to runs of 6-0 and 8-0.

STAT FACTS

• It was another good day for Methodist ball control as the Monarchs only committed 10 turnovers. That is the second best mark of the season.
• Joines finished with nine points, two blocks, and two assists while Patterson had eight points and six rebounds.
• LeTrice Pearson ended the game with six points and three steals.
• Averett's advantage in the paint cannot be understated. The Cougars outscored Methodist, 62-24 in the paint. Their edge in the paint also showed up on the glass. Averett outrebounded the Monarchs, 60-31. The Cougars had 23 offensive boards.
• Averett was led in this game by the 20-point performances of Courtney Scott and Rayvn Johnson.

UP NEXT

• Methodist is back on the road Saturday, February 8 at against host Pfeiffer University at 2 p.m.
• Averett travels to Raleigh, N.C. to take on host William Peace University February 8 at 2 p.m.