MEN’S BASKETBALL FIGHTS BACK IN GRITTY WIN OVER YORK

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Avila men's basketball has matched last season's win total after a tough 77-72 victory over York on Wednesday night.

The Eagles got off to a slow start to begin the game, trailing by double-digits at the midway point of the first half with York leading by as many as 13 with under 10 minutes until halftime.

Trailing 28-15 with 7:17 remaining, Avila ended the half on a 19-9 run to close the York lead to just three entering the break.

All eight Eagles who saw the court in the first half knocked down at least one field goal in the comeback effort.

Avila tied the game at 41 just over three minutes into the second half and would not look back, stretching its lead to 11 late in the second half – a 24-point swing after trailing by 13 in the first half.

Just like the women's side earlier in the evening, Avila won the game on the glass, outrebounding York by 10, including 16 offensive boards and a 38-22 scoring edge in the paint.

Xavier Kahube led the Eagles with 18 points, while Gio Mack was right behind him with 16 and eight rebounds.

Joe Kearney played tough on the defensive end, swatting away three shots and picking up a steal in the contest to go along with 13 points – including four shots from long range.

Additionally, a sparkplug off the bench was freshman BJ Boyd, who put up a much-needed seven points and four rebounds while playing solid defense on the Panthers. 

With weather expected in the Kansas City area this weekend, the Eagles are currently scheduled to take on Southwestern from Mabee Fieldhouse on Saturday at 3 PM. Stay tuned to AvilaAthletics social media accounts for potential updates on this weekend's events.

 (photo credit: Ixtla Banda)