Averett (2-2) was whistled for 30 personal fouls on the day, as the interior play of the Royals (3-5) created many free throw situations. Additionally, the Cougars were out-rebounded 35-20 in the contest.
Leading the way for Averett was Damien Brown with 13 points. Shaun Hagwood added 12 points, including 4-of-5 from behind the arc. Sterling Williams rounded out the Averett Cougars scoring in double figures with 10 points on the afternoon.
Averett led by as many as 12 in the first half at 30-18. However, the Royals closed the half on a 6-1 run, giving the Cougars a 31-24 lead at the intermission. Averett pulled ahead by 12 late in the second half as well at 59-47 after a Williams 3-pointer. Unfortunately for Averett, they were called for nine fouls in the last 4:41 seconds of the contest and WSC ended the game on a 21-8 run for the final 68-67 margin.
Averett’s top rebounder was Cory McDaniel with six. HE also added eight points in the contest.
The Cougars will return to action on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.