NEWPORT NEWS, VA – Averett's Cory McDaniel's three-pointer with 43 seconds left broke a 60-60 tie to lift the Cougars past Christopher Newport, 69-63, in a USA South Quarterfinal game Tuesday night at the Freeman Center.

The Captains led by as many as eight in the second half, after trailing 24-23 at halftime. AU cut the lead to six, 55-49, with 6:35 left to play in the game. Damien Brown's two free throws cut CNU's lead to four with 6:24 remaining and both teams would go almost two minutes without scoring.

Jonathon Rumley cut the Christopher Newport lead to two and Ryan Frazier put AU on top, 56-55, with a three-pointer with 3:50 remaining. Thomas Whinnett responded with two free throws to see-saw the Captains back in front with 3:28 to play.

After a missed AU three-pointer, Whinnett drilled a three with 2:42 to play to put CNU ahead by four. Rumley hit one of two at the free throw line and McDaniel hit his first field goal of the game, a three-pointer, to tie the score at 60 with 1:42 left.

Several possessions later, McDaniel hit his second three-pointer of the game that broke the tie and put AU ahead for good. Rumley was fouled once again and made one free throw and Whinnett drained another three to cut the Cougar lead to one with 16 seconds to go, but that would be as close as they would get.

Averett finished 23-of-62 (37%) from the field, 8-of-25 (32%) from behind the arc and 15-of-25 (60%) from the line. Brown paced the Cougars with 18 points and nine rebounds. Frazier added 13 points, Brandon Malone had 11 and Rumley finished with eight points and a team-high 13 rebounds.

CNU finished 22-of-64 (34%) from the floor, 6-of-25 (24%) from long range and 13-of-18 (72%) from the stripe. Whinnett led all scorers with 24 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. Conley Taylor had 14 points and 10 boards.

Christopher Newport concludes the year 10-16 overall while the Cougars improve to 12-14. AU will take on No.1 Methodist in a semifinal contest Friday at 4 pm at the Freeman Center.

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