MISENHEIMER, N.C. (Dec. 30, 2025) — The Pfeiffer University men's basketball team couldn't keep pace after halftime, falling 86-74 to Averett on Tuesday afternoon despite a dominant performance from forward
Doug Smith inside Merner Gym.
Smith powered the Falcons (4–6) with 17 points and a game-high 11 rebounds, shooting 5 of 8 from the field and adding two blocks.
Sean Sucarichi matched him with 17 points of his own, hitting two 3-pointers and playing 31 minutes.
Pfeiffer opened strong, trading baskets throughout a fast-paced first half that ended tied 42–42. The Falcons shot an efficient 14 of 28 before the break and knocked down five 3-pointers to stay even with the Cougars.
But Averett (8–3) took control in the second half behind a 44-32 scoring advantage, capitalizing on 21 Pfeiffer turnovers that led to 27 points. The Cougars also owned the offensive glass, finishing with 18 offensive rebounds and 42 points in the paint.
Justin Gaten added 11 points for Pfeiffer, while
Clayton Robinson scored eight and dished out two assists. The Falcons' bench contributed 21 points, led by
Sunni Wrice's seven.
Jackson Sellars led Averett with 29 points, and Mason Mitchell added 25.
Pfeiffer returns to action on Saturday, Jan 3, as they open USA South play on the road at N.C. Wesleyan in Rocky Mount, N.C. Tipoff is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Everett Gymnasium.
