DANVILLE, Va. – Salem's Dionne Sampson tallied a single-game season-high 16 points in a 79-50 setback at Averett, ending the 2019-20 basketball season for Salem in the process.

Sampson knocked down 6-of-11 from the floor, including a 3-pointer, along with three free throws to lead the Spirits (0-24, 0-16 USA South) in scoring. Backcourt teammate Sydney Bowen also reached double figures with 11 points, converting 4-of-9 from the floor and 2-of-2 from 3-point range.

Aubrey Slaughter led the way for Salem in rebounding with eight, including seven on the offensive glass. Lauren Privette came through with six, while Bowen and teammate Alize Brooks snagged four rebounds apiece.

Averett was led offensively by the trio of Brooke Carthon (18 points), Courtney Scott (14) and Ravyn Johnson (13). Carthon finished 8-of-16 from the floor, adding one free throw, and narrowly missed a double-double by one rebound. Carthon snagged six of her nine rebounds on the defensive glass. Johnson, who was successful on 5-of-13 field goals, came through with 12 rebounds (nine defensive) and four steals.

The Cougars carried over their their sharpshooting from the first half into the second as they lead 66-34 through three quarters. Averett moved in front 60-28 on a 3-pointer by Zenise Chambers, countered by four points from Slaughter and Alize Brooks.

Salem outscored the Cougars 16-13 in the final quarter, behind five points from Sampson and four each by Caroline Deal and Slaughter. The Spirits finished the contest hitting 6-of-14 (42.9%) from the floor, while hitting all three free throws. Salem's defensive attack limited Averett to five field goals over the course of the fourth.

Clinging to a 5-3 lead in the opening stages of the first quarter, Averett scored 13 of the next 19 points to forge ahead 18-11. The Cougars finished 7-of-16 (43.8%) from the floor in the frame, draining a trio of 3-pointers long the way, while Salem was limited to four field goals, including three from long distance.

Averett carried over that offensive momentum into the second, outscoring the Spirits 29-10, as they assumed a 47-21 lead. The Cougars capitalized on 11-of-19 (57.9%) shooting from the field, knocking down five 3-pointers in the process. Meanwhile, Salem was unable to find its rhythm, hitting 3-of-11 from the floor.

For more information on Salem basketball check out www.salemspirits.com