ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. - The top seeded NC Wesleyan College men's basketball team fell 82-72 to rival #4 seed Averett University in the semifinals of the USA South's East Division Tournament on Wednesday afternoon in Rocky Mount.
Senior guard Damon McDowell again led the Bishops with his 34 points and 5 three-pointers. Unfortunately, it was not enough on this day as Averett shot over 50 percent from the floor and nearly 44 percent from three as they made 10 treys.
The only other Bishop to score in double-figures was sophomore forward Tim Pettiford with 13 points and 4 rebounds. McDowell also led the team in rebounds with 8 and steals with 2 while assisting on 3 buckets as well.
Wesleyan did shoot a quality 50 percent from the floor overall, but only made six 3-pointers (37%). However, the big difference in the game was free-throw shooting as Wesleyan shot less than 50 percent from the charity stripe making just 12 of 25.
Wesleyan got out to a quick 6-1 lead before Averett went on a run and took control of the game. However, NCWC would close the half on an 8-1 run to trail by just one at 34-33 at the break. The Cougars would then not let the Bishops get within four points for the remainder of the game.
Sophomore guard Brayden Dixon also scored 6 points off the bench while freshman guard Khalid Chavis-Hinds and junior forward Isaiah Lewis scored 6 points apiece as well. Chavis Hinds also led in assists with four while Lewis had two steals.
Averett improves to 6-6 on the year and will next face the winner of the other semifinal between Pfeiffer and Methodist on Saturday.
The Bishops will finish their season at 11-6 overall and 8-2 in the conference and still claim a share of the East Division Regular Season Championship.