GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Greensboro College women's basketball team dropped a heartbreaker to Averett University in USA South Athletic Conference play Friday, 66-64.
 
Greensboro (4-7, 0-1 USA South) raced out to a 13-1 lead to open the game. Monica Smalls started and ended the run with a layup in the paint, while Rasheika Gregory added five points.
 
After establishing the lead, Greensboro led by as many as 14 before the Cougars (8-4, 1-0 USA South) pulled within 19-13 following an 8-0 run of their own with 6:24 showing on the second period clock.
 
The two teams proceeded to trade baskets for the remainder of the period as Greensboro took a 33-25 lead into halftime.
 
The early parts of the third period appeared to look like the opening of the game as Greensboro regained a double-digit lead at 39-29 following a 6-0 run. Smalls, Gregory, and Kylee Barry each had one basket.
 
Greensboro was able to maintain its margin until Averett used a 15-3 run to take its first lead of the contest at 51-50 with 8:42 remaining in the final period.
 
The Cougars and the Pride then traded the lead back and forth until Averett secured the two-point victory with a pair of free throws with 22-seconds remaining.
 
"We have to a better job of limiting second chance opportunities," Assistant Coach Shanita Hampton said. "We have also got to keep our momentum going for a full 40 minutes, and we did not do that tonight.
 
"Now we have to get back at it and prepare for our next contest."
 
Gregory finished with a game-high 20 points, while Barry chipped in 10 points. Kamerin Williams hauled in a game-high 14 rebounds and Marla Crawford dished out five assists.
 
The Pride women are slated to return to Mayo C. Harlow Memorial Court at 1 p.m. Sunday against the Angels of Meredith College. For the latest schedule updates, continue to follow www.greensborocollegesports.com.