Swedes Pull Away from Eagles

LINDSBORG, Kan. – After a well-contested first couple of minutes, the Bethany Swedes (6-2, 2-0 KCAC) went on a couple of big runs to move in front and ultimately cruise to a 90-48 victory over Avila (1-7, 0-2 KCAC) on Saturday night in Lindsborg.

A crazily senior-heavy squad, Bethany figures to be one of the better teams in the KCAC this season. But the Eagles, sporting a bit of a different starting lineup for head coach Bill Sloan, were right there with them in the early going Saturday. After Bethany scored the game's first four points Jaylin Dinkins followed by scoring the next five to put the visitors in front. Bethany made a shot that Tremaine Banks later answered with one of his own, giving Avila a 7-6 lead with four minutes gone.

But that's when Bethany started to take over. Slowly over the next four minutes, the Swedes gained control and built a 15-7 lead. Banks did all he could to keep the Eagles in it in the first half, hitting a shot to bring the visitors back to within one possession on multiple occasions, but the Swedes always had the answer.

And on this night, the Swedes just had more firepower as well. With Avila hanging tight within 25-22 with six minutes left in the half after a basket by Dylan Holloman, Bethany scored 14 of the final 16 points of the half to take a 39-24 lead into the intermission, and that deficit was too large for the Eagles to overcome. The Eagles made just five field goals over the entire second half while the Swedes never let up, putting up 51 points in the period to cruise to the 90-48 victory.

Preseason Player of the Year candidate Solomon Clayton led all players with 25 points and 12 rebounds, while Dylan Smith added 20 for the Swedes. Banks led the Eagles with 10 points, all in the first half. Emilio Elliott led the Eagles with seven rebounds; fresh off a couple of great appearances on Avila's JV squad, Josh Kilpatrick scored three points with four boards, three assists and a block in his second varsity appearance of the season. Meanwhile, the Avila JV team defeated Saint Mary 69-66 at Mabee Fieldhouse on Friday night, the second win of the season for Darien Minor's squad.

Up next, Avila men's basketball will return to Mabee Fieldhouse this coming Tuesday, November 22, when the Bethel Threshers come to town. Memories of a momentous night in Mabee two seasons ago, when the Eagles earned a statement win over the Threshers, are sure to abound. Tipoff is slated for 8 PM following the conclusion of the women's game; as always, you can watch all the action on the Avila Sports Network with Joe Van Amburg on the call.