TURNOVERS DOOM MEN’S BASKETBALL IN LOSS TO ST. MARY

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Playing in front of the biggest Mabee Fieldhouse crowd of the season, Avila men's basketball fell to St. Mary on Wednesday, 90-74. A game that was much closer than the final score indicated, Avila committed 27 turnovers in the contest.

The Eagles got off to a slow start, committing turnovers on their first three possessions of the game. Taking advantage, the Spires would start the game off hot in the opening 20 minutes, getting out in front to an 18-point lead by the 10:31 mark.

Avila would stay in the fight and not give up, ending the half on a 26-12 run to trail by just four entering halftime.

The second half was a frustrating one for the Eagles. Every time Avila would make it a one-possession game, St. Mary would go on a run to keep the Eagles at bay.

At the 15:25 mark, Avila trailed 47-46, from there, the Spires went on a 5-0 run. At the 13:10 mark, the Eagles brought the score to 54-52 and St. Mary went on a 6-0 run.

Avila's final one-point opportunity came at the 9:46 mark in the second half. Trailing 60-59, the Spires went on another 6-0 run.

A game that saw six total technical fouls, Avila hit 20 shots from the foul line, its sixth time hitting 20 or more shots from the charity stripe this season.

The game was won in transition and on the offensive glass. St. Mary scored 31 points off turnovers and put up 21 second-chance points in the contest.

Freshman BJ Boyd recorded his first collegiate double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Off the bench, James Ross III led the Eagles with 17 points – including 11-14 from the free throw line. 

With three regular season games remaining and just one at home, Avila will honor its seniors on Saturday for Senior Day in the final home game of the season, taking on Sterling at 3 PM.

 (photo credit: Ixtla Banda)