Harris’ 3-pointer lifts Huntingdon over Averett

DANVILLE, Va. – James Harris sank a 3-pointer with six seconds remaining to help the Huntingdon men's basketball team get by Averett University 93-92 on Wednesday.

The Cougars attempted a 3 at the buzzer, but the shot was off its mark.

The final seconds capped a game that saw Huntingdon build a 17-point lead early in the second half and hold off a late rally by Averett.

Huntingdon, which led for almost the entire first half, used a 23-9 run to take a 51-37 lead at halftime. The Hawks pulled ahead to a 61-44 lead on a Ceaunte Zachery 3 in the first four minutes of the second half.

The Hawks continued with a double-digit lead until midway through the second half before Averett went on a 15-4 run and cut the Hawks' lead to three, 78-75, with 7:36 to play. During the next six minutes, Huntingdon maintained the lead, but did not lead by more than six points.

In the final 3:06, Averett used an 8-0 run to tie the game 90-90 with 1:35 to play and take a 92-90 lead with 21 seconds to play. After falling behind for the first time in the second half, Harris came through with his second 3-pointer of the game.

Damien Madison led the Hawks with 24 points, including a 10-of-12 performance at the free-throw line. Aaron Washington was 5-for-8 from 3-point range and finished with 21 points.

Zachery totaled 15 points, three assists and two blocks, Caleb Toney had nine points and seven rebounds and Harris had nine points and three assists.

Records: Huntingdon (4-6, 2-2 USA South); Averett (6-5, 2-1 USA South)

Coming Up: Huntingdon plays at Belhaven on Dec. 30 at 5 p.m.