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Visiting Averett University used a fast start to take control of a USA South men’s basketball game, winning 86-71 over Pfeiffer University in Merner Gym on Wednesday afternoon.

The Cougars (3-3, 3-2 USA South) jumped ahead early, going on a quick 11-4 run to start the game. Pfeiffer’s Jamaal David (Clinton, Md.) then hit a 3-pointer, making it 11-7 just before the first media timeout.

Averett put together another spurt, this time extending its lead to 18-7 at the 14:31 mark after a Montre’ Cash basket.

The Falcons (3-2, 3-2 USA South) once again closed to 24-20 following another 3-pointer from David at 9:07, but Averett responded again, this time with a 19-2 run to push the score to 39-26 at 3:29.

After leading 44-29 at halftime, Averett kept Pfeiffer at distance, as it never allowed the Falcons to get to within nine points the rest of the way, eventually winning 86-71.

The Falcons got a team-best 14 points from Sean Scott (Waldorf, Md.) while freshman Dorian Miles (Greenville, S.C.) had a team-high seven rebounds to go with his 13 points. David finished with 11 points on the evening to round out the Pfeiffer scoring leaders.

As a team, the Falcons managed a 44.8 percent (25-of-66) effort from the field while Averett shot 47.6 percent (30-of-63) on the game. Averett also hit 14 3-pointers in the game while limiting Pfeiffer to just six shots made from long range.

Additionally, Averett held a 20-8 advantage on second-chance opportunities, as they outrebounded Pfeiffer by a 42-33 advantage.

The Cougars had five players reach double-figures, led by 22 points from Montre’ Cash.

The Falcons will next be in action on Friday, when they play host to William Peace University in a 4:30 p.m. game in Merner Gym.