BIG GAMES FROM KEARNEY AND WILLIAMS HELP MEN’S BASKETBALL TO BIG WIN OVER KWU

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Avila men's basketball was able to pick up its fifth conference win of the season on Saturday, defeating Kansas Wesleyan, 73-70 at Mabee Fieldhouse on Saturday afternoon.

The win was already Avila's eighth of the season as the Eagles have doubled last season's win total.

Avila came out hot, entering halftime with a 41-33 lead. The Eagles shot 59 percent in the first 20 minutes, including 65 percent from the field from Avila's starting five.

KWU cut down Avila's 14-point second-half lead to tie the game at 62 with 5:33 remaining in the game. Coming out of a timeout after the tie, George Williams knocked down a huge three-pointer to bring the momentum back to Avila's side. Four-straight points from Joe Kearney extended the lead to seven before Avila's ultimate three-point win.

Kearney and Brionne Williams each led Avila with 20 points, the second 20-plus-point effort from each player this season. Robert Lee III made an impact without scoring, pulling down nine rebounds and dishing out five assists. Jehoida Goins made his presence known off the bench, putting up nine points, eight rebounds and three assists. 

Avila will attempt to make it consecutive wins with a quick turnaround on Monday at Ottawa before returning to Mabee Fieldhouse on Wednesday night to face Evangel at 7:30 PM.

 (photo credit: Ali Nassir)