Buena Vista, Va. — The Southern Virginia University men's basketball team fell in their home opener to the Cougars of Averett University, 76–58, after a strong second-half performance from the visitors.
The Knights opened the game on the back foot, surrendering the first seven points before Tillman Johnson, Hyrum McConkie, and DJ Green sparked a rally to tie the game. A three-pointer from Green capped off a 10–0 run, giving Southern Virginia its first lead at 10–7.
The Knights continued to build momentum as Abe Connolly, Mason Hunter, and Mahad Yusuf contributed offensively to push the lead to a game-high six points. Averett battled back late in the half, but Southern Virginia held a 32–30 advantage at the break.
The second half began with the Cougars catching fire, hitting a jumper and back-to-back threes to regain the lead and eventually match their largest margin of seven points. The duo of McConkie and Green responded with timely baskets, while Jude Ballstaedt converted a tough and-one to keep the Knights within one.
However, Averett's offense continued to roll as the Cougars capitalized on Southern Virginia turnovers and foul trouble. With 10 minutes to play, Averett went on a scoring tear that included a deep three and several key free throws, stretching the lead to 15 points with under two minutes remaining.
Over the final 10 minutes, Averett outscored the Knights 25–10, despite Green adding eight of Southern Virginia's final 10 points.
The Knights turned the ball over 17 times to Averett's 10, shooting 46.8% (22–47) from the field, 27.8% (5–18) from three, and 56.3% (9–16) from the line. Averett finished shooting 51.0% from the field, 50.0% from three, and 68.4% at the line.
Southern Virginia now looks to bounce back as they travel to Roanoke, Virginia, for the Roanoke College Tip-Off Classic, beginning Friday, November 14, against the host Maroons at 6:00 p.m. The Knights will then face the Quakers on Saturday, November 15, at 1:00 p.m.
For all the latest updates on Southern Virginia University men's basketball, visit knightathletics.com and follow @knight_mbb on Instagram.
