The Cougars (15-5, 6-1 USA South) opened up an early 14-point lead in the first half. However, Ferrum ( 5-15, 1-6 USA South) chipped away at the lead to pull within 33-24 at the intermission.
In the second half, the Panthers got to within eight at 36-28. Averett responded with a 10-2 run to push the lead to 16 at 46-30. From there, Ferrum could get no closer than 14, as Averett cruised late for the win.
For Averett, Rafael DeLeon had a career night with 23 points and 17 rebounds. Cameron Brown added 10 points and three assists. Cory McDaniel netted nine points, while Drew Boor and Shaun Hagwood added six each. Boor also had seven rebounds in the contest.
The Panthers were led by a 13-point effort from Rob Fuller. Cedric Jones added 12 and Ed Robinson contributed with 11. The Averett defense forced 17 turnovers and held FC to only 33 percent from the field. The Cougars scored on 25 of 53 shots for 46 percent.
Averett will return to action on Saturday at Greensboro College.