LATE SECOND-HALF RUN SEES MEN’S BASKETBALL FALL AT SOUTHWESTERN

WINFIELD, Kan. – Avila men's basketball was unable to hold onto a six-point lead with 10:39 to go in the game as they would ultimately fall, 79-71 to Southwestern on Saturday afternoon.

Southwestern would end the game on a 25-10 run to close the game out.

The two KCAC rivals were evenly matched in the first half, as they entered the halftime locker rooms tied at 42.

Avila's defense forced 11 Southwestern turnovers through the 40 minutes, but 11 Moundbuilder three-pointers – compared to just six from the Eagles – hurt Avila's chances of leaving southern Kansas with a win.

Off the bench, Xavier Kahube put up one of his strongest games of the season – 25 points, four rebounds and two assists.

Joe Kearney and George Williams scored 13 points and each knocked down three three-pointers. Additionally, Kearney (three) and Robert Lee III (four) had seven of Avila's eight steals on the game.

The Eagles are back in action on Wednesday night at Mabee Fieldhouse to take on Oklahoma Wesleyan. Tipoff is slated for 7:30 PM.