Newport News, Va. — Adam Nicholson scored a game-high 27 points but it wasn’t enough as Greensboro College lost to Averett University, 77-56, in the USA South championship game on Saturday.
The Pride, making its first tournament title game appearance in 10 years, was felled by poor shooting (22-59, 37-percent) in the game. AU, on the other hand, was 27-55 from the field for 49-percent.
Averett advanced to it second straight NCAA appearance and The Pride was looking to make the postseason for the first time since 1995.
AU led by 10 points at the break. The Cougars led 46-25 with 15:11 left. The Pride, however, did make one last charge.
Greensboro went on a 25-12 run over the next 8:04 and trailed 58-50 after a Nicholson layup with with 7:07 remaining. Yet GC got no closer.
Nicholson and R.J. Smith earned all tournament team honors. Smith, who had 13 points against AU, made the game-winning three pointer with one second remaining in Friday’s semifinal game.
Jonathan Rumley scored 20 points and led 5 Cougars who scored in double-digits. He was picked the tournament’s most valuable player.
Box: http://www.cnusports.com/sports/gen/usamgcau.htm
Final GC record 13-15