LATE FOUL CALL GIVES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL CLOSE LOSS TO ST. MARY

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A game that featured 11 ties and 10 lead changes with nearly matching stats in almost every category, Avila women's basketball lost to St. Mary on Wednesday, 73-69, stretching its losing streak to four.

The Eagles couldn't have gotten off to a better start in the first quarter, getting points from six players, forcing eight Spire turnovers and holding a 19-12 lead after the first.

The teams switched momentum in the second quarter, as St. Mary used four made three-pointers and held Avila to 27 percent shooting en route to a 23-14 second-quarter advantage.

At the half, USM held a 35-33 lead after a foul was called with 0.3 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

The third quarter's momentum went Avila's way, with the Eagles not allowing the Spires to hit a shot from deep. On the offensive end, it was Marlie Wright with 13 points, four boards and three assists while playing all 10 minutes in the quarter.

Momentum from a great Avila student section and great play from its junior guard, Avila held a 55-50 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Midway through the fourth, the Spires went on a 9-0 run to tie the game at 59. Neither team would lead by more than two until the final seconds. From there, the teams would trade the lead back-and-forth six times in the remaining four minutes.  

Coming out of an Avila timeout with 20 seconds remaining, Wright knocked down a pair of foul shots to tie the game at 69-69.

A whistle was blown with 15 seconds on the clock and a foul was called on the Eagles in the backcourt as St. Mary was initiating its offense. USM would hit the ensuing free throws to go up by two. Avila missed a jumper on the next possession and the Spires knocked down two more free throws to finalize the 73-69 Eagle loss.

Four of Avila's five starters scored in double-figures, led by a 24-point, nine-rebound, six-assist night from Wright. Madilyn Melton was close behind with 19 points and eight boards.

Talia Dyson was a force on the defensive end, notching five steals. The freshman has multiple steals in four of her last six games and is averaging. 

Sitting at 12-13, Avila has three regular season games remaining as it fights for a spot in the KCAC Tournament. The Eagles will wrap up the home portion of their schedule on Saturday for Senior Day versus Sterling. Tipoff from Mabee Fieldhouse is slated for 1 PM.

 (photo credit: Ixtla Banda)