Saint Mary Outlasts Avila Again

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – In a closely-fought game between two geographical rivals, Saint Mary (8-18, 4-16 KCAC) was able to do just enough to fend off Avila (5-20, 4-16 KCAC) 63-61 in Leavenworth on Saturday night.

The Spires have been improved in the second half of this season, and on this Saturday night the home team was able to do just enough to pull out the victory. A game that was decided by two points was expectedly close throughout: neither team ever led by more than seven, and the game featured 12 lead changes and eight ties, including the halftime score of 28-28.

Both teams improved their shooting after halftime, though neither team shot particularly well in the game, especially beyond the arc. In fact, that trend hurt the Eagles' chances at a comeback considerably: even though Avila shot 45% from the field in the second half, better than USM's 38%, the Eagles failed to make a three-pointer after the halftime. The Spires shot just 21% from deep in the last 20 minutes, but that edge was just barely enough to help them earn the win.

Avila started the game off strong: Craig Jordan scored from in close before Donte' Simpson grabbed a rebound and set up Tyree King for a three to put the Eagles in front 7-2 four minutes into the contest. That, however, would be Avila's largest lead of the night. Neither team was able to get any separation in the first half, and after Jaylin Dinkins hit a shot to tie the score at 28 neither team was able to score in the final 90 seconds of the first half.

The Eagles once again were the stronger team to start the second half, opening the period with seven of the first nine points: Jordan completed an and-one to put Avila in front 35-30 less than two minutes in. USM steadily scored six straight to take the lead, and the teams went back and forth once again until the Spires reeled off seven straight to take a 49-42 lead, their largest of the night.

Jordan stopped the bleeding by converting another three-point play, and then Jordan later scored again off an assist by Simpson to pull Avila back to within 56-53 with five minutes to play. Eric Smith Jr. was massive for the Eagles down the stretch, scoring on consecutive possessions to pull Avila within 58-57 with two minutes left.

But the Eagles never could find that decisive play to snag a win. A critical three from Luke Mackey provided the answer after Smith's two shots, and even though King hit a pair of crucial layups the Eagles never complete the comeback. Cam Southern made only one free throw in the final ten seconds, giving Avila one last prayer, but the Eagles were not able to capitalize and the Spires held on for a 63-61 home win.

Southern led the Spires in points against the Eagles once again, scoring 14. Both Joey Schultz and Deshaud St. Martin had double-doubles, and Schultz also notched six steals. A few days removed from his 25-point outburst, Jordan led all players with 17 points on 7-of-12 shooting. King chipped in 11 while Smith Jr. and Dinkins each scored 10; Simpson hauled in a ridiculous season-high 14 rebounds along with six points and six assists.

Up next, Avila men's basketball returns home for a pair of games inside Mabee Fieldhouse to close the 2022-23 season. Avila will first welcome Sterling to Kansas City on Wednesday, February 15 for a game that will now begin at 7 PM due to expected weather in central Kansas on Wednesday night. Avila basketball is hosting its annual Pink Out night, meaning the first 100 fans in attendance will receive a special pink shirt in honor of Valentine's Day. And as always, you can watch all the action live on the Avila Sports Network.