THREE 20-POINT SCORERS HELP WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TO ITS SECOND-STRAIGHT WIN

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Ninety-one percent shooting from the foul line and three 20-point scorers helped Avila women's basketball knock out Saint Mary on Wednesday night at Mabee Fieldhouse to pick up its second-consecutive victory, 86-74.

Marlie Wright (22), Madilyn Melton (20) and Eireon Adams with a career-high 25 off the bench helped Avila to the victory.

Adams got the offense started in the first quarter, knocking down two shots from behind the arc in the opening 10 minutes while also adding two makes from the free throw line as Avila got out to a 25-16 lead after one.

Adams, the senior forward, finished the game with 25 points, 10 rebounds and two steals.

The Eagles defense played its part in the second quarter, forcing Saint Mary to just 2-of-17 shooting from the field while forcing two turnovers. Avila went into the break with a 41-26 halftime lead.

The third quarter is where Wright made her presence known, putting up 13 points on a perfect 5-5 shooting while grabbing three rebounds and dishing out three assists.

As a team, Avila made it count from the foul line, going 29-32. The 29 free throws were 11 more than the next-highest single-game total for the Eagles this season.

Saint Mary scored the first five points of the game, but Avila went on a quick 7-0 run and would not look back, leading for the remainder of the game. The Eagles outshot the Spires from the field, three-point range and free throw line and won the battle of the reserves, outscoring Saint Mary in bench points, 36-24.

Avila will try to make in three-straight wins on Saturday at Tabor with tipoff scheduled for 2 PM.

(photo credit: Ali Nassir)