DANVILLE, Va. -- CNU shrugged off a tough night offensively with a solid defensive effort, taking care of Averett University (10-12, 6-9) on the road, 50-29. The Captains earned a bounce back win and remain in a first-place tie atop the USA South Athletic Conference with an 18-4 overall record, 13-2 in the USA South.

Sophomore Nicole Mitchell scored 15 second-half points and Tia Perry added a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, to lead the way for CNU. 

Despite a sloppy first half offensively for both squads, the Captains defense had one of the most dominant performances all season long. CNU held the Cougars to just two made field-goals in the first half, holding the hosts to 2-of-21 from the field (9.5%). CNU was just 7-for-30, but was able to build a 12-point halftime lead, 21-9. It was the second time this season the Captains held their opponent to single digits in a half.

Averett was held without a field goal for the first 8:37 of the half, and then a layup and 3-pointer on back-to-back possessions from Abby Bailey proved to be all for the remainder. The Cougars were held empty again for the final 10:54 of the half.

Eight points from Perry and five from Camry Green helped build the first-half lead, but after halftime, it was Mitchell who ignited. Coming out of the locker room, Mitchell hit 6-of-8 shots to score all 15 of her game-high points in the second half. She knocked down one three and went 2-for-3 from the free-throw line, adding one assist and one blocked shot.

Both teams saw improved shooting in the second half, but the Captains defense continued to lock down the Cougars attack. Averett hit just 6-of-31 shots in the second half (19.4%), finishing with just eight made field goals in the game. CNU hit 11 shots in the second half, knocking down 39.3% of their shots after the break.

CNU held Averett to 15.4% shooting in the game, and the Cougars' two leading scorers, Mette Scheiman and Liz Martin, combined to go just 2-for-21 in the game. Bailey had another three-pointer in the second half, finishing with a team-high eight points while also grabbing five rebounds.

Both teams had ball control issues, with 19 turnovers each, but CNU capitalized on the mistakes more often, collecting 17 points off giveaways. CNU also outrebounded the Cougars, 50-36, with 15 offensive boards.

The Captains will now face another tough test this Saturday, February 11 at home vs. Greensboro College. CNU will take on the preseason favorites at 2:00 pm, facing the Pride after they suffered a nine-point setback to Ferrum on Wednesday night to fall out of first place.