MEN’S BASKETBALL GETS BACK-TO-BACK WINS WITH VICTORY AT KANSAS WESLEYAN

SALINA, Kan. – A double-double off the bench from Blessing Nwotite, 18 made free throws and 18 forced turnovers helped Avila men's basketball pick up its third win in the last four games with a tight 75-71 victory at Kansas Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon.

The Eagles held a seven-point lead going into halftime after leading for the majority of the first half.

After Kansas Wesleyan took a two-point lead early in the second half, Joe Kearney answered back with a three-pointer of his own and Avila would not look back for the remaining 15 minutes of regulation, getting its lead to as high as 11.

The Eagles always had an answer anytime the Coyotes would mount a comeback. The game was wrapped up by a pair of James Ross III free throws with 13 seconds remaining to put the game on ice.

Nwotite led Avila with 17 points and 11 rebounds in 25 minutes off the bench. Ross' 12 points helped the reserves as Avila only played eight players in the KCAC matchup.

Kearney (15) and Xavier Kahube (14) were Avila's other double-digit scorers. Four of Avila's eight players recorded multiple steals in the contest. 

Avila will look to make it three wins in a row on Wednesday, traveling to Evangel to take on the Valor at 7:30.

 (photo credit: Ali Nassir)