Senior guard Anias Saunders scored 22 points to lead four Eagles in double figures, as the University of Mary Washington men's basketball team defeated Averett University, 73-63, on Thursday night in Danville, Va. The Eagles improve to 15-4 on the season.

The Eagles came out shooting well, and built a 43-27 advantage by halftime. The Eagles helped their own cause by shooting 5-11 from three point range in the first half, and connected for all 16 of their free throw attempts. Saunders and classmate Da'Shawn Cook each opened the contest with three pointers, in building a 10-5 Eagle lead. Another Saunders three and a pair of free throws form Cook upped the margin to 17-5, with 13:35 left in the first.

UMW led by 13, before the Cougars trimmed the margin to seven, at 28-21, with 5:04 left before halftime. A 9-2 run, capped by a Saunders three, upped the lead to 37-23, and a late layup from senior Ra'Shawn Cook capped the first half with UMW carrying a 43-27 lead to intermission.

In the second, the hosts slowly cut into their deficit, coming as close as four, at 47-43 with 13:43 remaining. but a pair of Emmanuel Aghayere free throws and a three point play from senior Riley Welch returned the lead to nine, and the Eagles cruised in the final minutes. 

Saunders scored 22 points, and added seven rebounds and six assists. Welch scored 12 and Aghayere and Da'Shawn Cook each scored 11 in the win.

The Eagles shot 42.3% from the field (22-52), making 6-19 three point attempts and 23-29 free throws. Averett shot 34.3% (24-70), making 6-22 three point attempts and 9-13 free throws.

UMW will return to action on Saturday when they visit Salisbury University in Coast to Coast Athletic Conference action at 4:00 p.m.