DANVILLE, Va. – Averett University broke open a close game with a big run early in the second half to defeat visiting Shenandoah 69-50 in USA South Conference men's basketball action Saturday.

Averett (13-4, 4-0 USA South) led 27-26 at the break after Dominique Stevenson hit a three-pointer with six seconds remaining, but cruised in the final 20 minutes of play after retaking the lead for good on a Sterling Williams trey 25 seconds into the second.

Shenandoah (8-5, 0-3 USA South) held its last advantage when junior Antwon Townsend opened the second half with a three-pointer of his own at the 19:43 mark. Townsend, currently the No. 5 three-point shooter in the nation, led the Hornets with 15 points on five three-pointers. He finished the contest 5 for 8 from behind the arc.

Williams' three-pointer ignited a 12-5 run over the next 5:14 that gave the hosts a 42-34 lead. The contest was effectively over from this point as AU led by at least six points the rest of the way. The lead became double-digits by the 9:07 mark and the Cougars scored the last eight points of the game to provide the final margin.

Williams led the hosts with a co-game-high 15 points while Cory McDaniel had 13 and Damien Brown 12. Junior James Brodie had 10 for SU.

The Hornets won the rebounding battle 40-30 with sophomore Jeremiah Lawrence pulling down a game-high 14 boards. He just missed a double-double with nine points.

Box Score/Play by Play 

Shenandoah finishes this two-game road trip tomorrow afternoon at Ferrum College.