DANVILLE, Va. - The Meredith Avenging Angels cut an eight-point lead in half with 1:27 remaining in regulation in today's USA South Conference game, but the Cougars of Averett University netted 9-of-10 free throws in the final minute to seal a 72-61 win. 

Meredith remains near the bottom of the conference with a 3-13 league record (7-16 overall), while the Cougars rest in the eighth spot in current league standings with a 7-9 USA South record (8-15 overall).

The Avenging Angels enjoyed four minutes in front of Averett during the first half jumpstarted by back-to-back-to-back buckets from McKenzi Edwards, Tyler Gresham and a three from Bryana Holmes.

The Cougars went on a 5-0 run to edge past Merdith 19-17 at the 10-minute-mark.

During the next 4:39, the Avenging Angels reclaimed a one-point lead capped off with an offensive rebound and putback from rookie Raven Gregory.

But the hosts rallied during the final four minutes to carry a seven-point advantage into the locker room at halftime.

After the break the team's exchanged points before a 15-3 Meredith run helped the Avenging Angels surge ahead by four with 12:51 remaining in regulation.

Laquetta Hairston forced an AU turnover and picked up the fastbreak bucket to hold onto a one-point lead, and Holmes extended the spread with her second field goal from behind the arc during the next offensive set.

But the Cougars scored five unanswered points during the next minute to push ahead by three. Edwards followed with a jumper on the next play but Meredith would get no closer the rest of the way.

Edwards posted a team-high 18 points, five assists, and Holmes dropped in 10 from the field. Keyanka Bailey grabbed eight rebounds and added eight points in the loss.

Averett finished with three double-digit scorers, including a game-high 22 points from Mette Sheiman. Oneka Jones posted a double-double on the day with a dozen points, 10 boards.

Meredith wraps up the regular season next weekend with the team's Play 4Kay event Friday evening. The Avenging Angels host Piedmont College in a 7 p.m. tipoff. Head Coach Melinda Campbell and her team will salute the seniors during Saturday's 4 p.m. pairing with the LaGrange Panthers.