MEN’S BASKETBALL BEATS MISSOURI VALLEY, MOVES TO 3-0

FULTON, Mo. – For the first time since the 2017-18 season, Avila men's basketball begins its season 3-0 after a 77-70 win at Missouri Valley on Saturday afternoon.

Avila was led to victory by Gio Mack who put up 22 points, six rebounds and three steals one game after notching his first double-double as an Eagle. Additionally, Blessing Nowtite recorded a near triple-double and his first double-double in an Avila uniform with 12 points, 10 rebounds and six assists.

The teams were deadlocked for the most of the first half in the early-season matchup. Avila had a 14-6 lead six minutes into the game before Missouri Valley went on a 10-0 run in under five minutes.

Both teams would trade leads back-and-forth for the remainder of the opening half with neither program leading by more than six in the final 10 minutes before halftime. A pair of Joe Kearney free throws in the final seconds of the half tied the game at 36 as the teams entered the halftime locker rooms.

Coming out of the half, the teams were still tied at 40 three-and-a-half minutes into the second. From there, Avila went on a 13-3 run over the next five minutes. After taking the 10-point lead, Avila would not trail for the remainder of the game.

The Eagles would stretch their lead to as many as 14 late in the second half before settling on the seven-point victory.

Avila's scoring down low and their bench played huge parts in the victory. The Eagles outscored the Vikings 34-14 in the paint and the Avila reserves outscored Missouri Valley's bench, 15-5.

In addition to Mack and Nowtite's big games, Avila also had Joe Kearney (15) and James Ross III (12) score in double-figures. 

Avila will look to start the season with four-straight wins next weekend when they head to Lamoni, Iowa for a pair of games, starting on Friday at 5 PM against Graceland.

(photo credit: Ali Nassir)