WINCHESTER, Va. - Averett University held host Shenandoah University to a season low output in the first half Monday night, but the Hornets rallied to defeat the Cougars 59-49 in USA South Conference men's basketball action.

Averett (5-8, 2-2 USA South) led 20-19 at the break as Shenandoah (11-5, 3-0) shot just 8 for 25 in the first half (32.0 percent). This total included a 0 for 6 performance from behind the arc.

Fortunately for Shingleton Gymnasium fans, senior Chris Rhone came alive following the break. Rhone scored 10 of his game-high 19 points in the second half as SU shot 46.7 from the field (14 for 30) to pull away from the pesky Cougars.

The two teams traded the lead seven times in the second half and were tied on two others before Shenandoah finally took the lead for good on a Kenny Purnell three-pointer with 7:32 left.

Purnell's basket was part of a 10-2 run that gave SU a 43-37 lead with 6:10 remaining; Averett got as close as three-points after a Cameron Brown trey at the 5:27 mark, but Shenandoah scored the next four points to ice the contest.

In addition to Rhone's 19, Purnell and Onyie Onunaku each had 14 to lead the hosts in the scoring column.

Sterling Williams had 12 and Andrew Boor 11 for the Cougars.

Box Score/Play by Play 

Shenandoah hosts Ferrum College Wednesday evening in a USA South Conference matchup.