NEWPORT NEWS, Va. - Conley Taylor scored a career high 35 points, but it wasn't enough for the CNU men's basketball team which fell to Averett, 90-84, at the Freeman Center Wednesday night.

Taylor had 18 points at halftime, and then dropped in 17 more in the second half as CNU battled from behind but was unable to overtake the Cougars.

CNU trailed by as many as 18 points, 80-62, with 7:26 to play. But Taylor's last points, a three-pointer from the right side, pulled CNU to with two, 86-84, with 1:17 to play, capping a 22-6 run. After the Cougars' Marquis Scott made one of two free throws CNU's Xavier Parham missed a three-pointer at the 29 second mark. The Captains then fouled Brandon Malone who made both free throws with 23 seconds remaining to account for the final margin.

Averett led at halftime, 49-37, after taking the lead to stay, 19-17, on a layup by Malone who finished with 28 points. Brandon Douglas scored 26 for AU.

Taylor's 35 points were the most scored by a Captain since Davon Barton poured in 36 in the Freeman Center against N.C. Wesleyan on Feb. 12, 2008.

Brian Hermann and Mike Green each scored 13 points for CNU which is now 9-12 and 4-5 in the USA South. Averett is 9-13 and 6-4.

CNU entertains Ferrum at the Freeman Center Sunday at 4 p.m.

The box score