MEN’S BASKETBALL HANGS TOUGH, ULTIMATELY FALLS TO NO. 10 OKWU

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Facing the No. 10 team in the country, Avila men's basketball fought back, but a cold second half doomed the team as the Eagles fell to Oklahoma Wesleyan on Wednesday night, 71-56.

OKWU started the game on a 17-8 run, including eight offensive rebounds in the first three minutes of play. Not deterred, Avila would fight back throughout the first half and ultimately head into halftime with the game tied, 39-39.

The home Eagles were unable to carry the momentum into the second half as Avila shot just 23 percent in the final 20 minutes en route to the loss.

Joe Kearney (14), James Ross III (11) and Jason Ernest (10) were Avila's double-digit scorers. On the defensive end, four of Avila's five starters recorded a pair of steals each and Xavier Kahube led the Eagles with nine total rebounds. 

Avila is back in action on Saturday at Southwestern, as they look to pick up their eighth win of the season. Tipoff from Winfield is slated for 3 PM.

 (photo credit: Ali Nassir)