MEN’S BASKETBALL LOSES TO BETHEL

NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – Avila men's basketball's first game of 2026 ended in a loss to Bethel on Saturday afternoon, 88-75.

The Threshers shot 53 percent from the floor, put up 26 points off turnovers and had 48 points from its reserves en route to the Avila loss.

The two teams were evenly-matched in the first half, as the KCAC rivals entered halftime with a small 39-38 Bethel lead.

Avila held a 10-point lead three minutes into the second half, but Bethel would go on a 17-6 run to retake the lead and would not look back.

Bethel had 48 bench points on the afternoon – including 34 from Trenton Patterson – and knocked down 11 shots from long-range to help seal the victory.

Xavier Kahube picked up a double-double (21 points, 11 rebounds and five assists), while Jason Ernest scored 13 off the bench. 

The Eagles are back at home on Wednesday night, hosting Ottawa at 7:30 from Mabee Fieldhouse.

 (photo credit: Ali Nassir)