MEN’S BASKETBALL’S SECOND-HALF COMEBACK FALLS JUST SHORT AT SOUTHWESTERN

WINFIELD, Kan. – Two Moundbuilder free throws with less than three seconds remaining ended Avila men's basketball's valiant comeback attempt on Saturday afternoon, losing to Southwestern, 95-93.

Southwestern came out hot in the first half, hitting more than 50 percent of its shots from the floor. Avila had a lead with seven minutes remaining in the opening 20 minutes before Southwestern entered halftime on a 23-13 run, stretching its lead to a game-high nine points.

The Eagles would slowly claw their way back into the game in the second half, bringing the score to within one on seven separate occasions before taking a 91-90 lead with 75 seconds remaining.

Southwestern would hit a free throw with 48 seconds remaining to tie the game up. On the ensuing possession, a Logan Bishop layup gave Avila short-lived two-point lead. The next time down the court, Southwestern took the lead on a layup of its own.

With the score tied at 93, Avila was unable to knock down a shot with less than 10 seconds remaining. Southwestern grabbed the defensive rebound and made two free throws with 2.3 seconds on the clock. Bishop's half-court heave at the buzzer fell short and Avila went back to Kansas City with a heartbreaking two-point loss.

Bishop finished with a career-high 20 points on four made three-pointers and Jason Ernest put up 17 off the bench.

Leading the Eagles was Xavier Kahube who dropped a season-high 27 points and eight rebounds in the contest.

As a team, Avila shot 55 percent from the field, the program's seventh time making more than half of its shots in a game this season. 

With two KCAC games remaining before Christmas break, Avila with travel to Leavenworth on Wednesday to take on St. Mary at 7:30 PM.

 (photo credit: Ali Nassir)