DOUBLE-DOUBLE FROM MELTON GIVES WOMEN’S BASKETBALL BACK-TO-BACK WINS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Twenty-eight points from Madilyn Melton and 20 from Marlie Wright led Avila to an 80-71 victory at Mabee Fieldhouse on Saturday night in the KCAC opener, giving the program its first win in a KCAC opener since the 2022-23 season.

Wright knocked down two shots from behind the arc in the first quarter and added a pair of rebounds and assists to help Avila to a 19-18 lead after the first quarter. Wright's final points came on a buzzer-beating layup off a full-court pass from Melton to take the lead away from Bethany at the buzzer.

Avila would outscore Bethany 22-17 in the second quarter and led 41-35 at the halftime break.

The third quarter is where Avila essentially put the game away, outscoring Bethany by 11 coming out of halftime, starting the half on a 7-0 run.

Avila shot 50 percent (7-14) from the floor and from three-point range (3-6) in the third quarter before Bethany fought back in the fourth.

The Swedes cut the deficit to as low as nine in the fourth quarter, but any time Bethany would go on a run, Avila would answer right back.

Avila's defense held Bethany to 36 percent shooting from the floor and just two made shots from long-range en route to the victory.

Melton finished with 28 and 11 rebounds for her first double-double of the season. Marlie Wright chipped in with 20 points, five rebounds and six assists, while Kathleen Stanley had 12 points and five boards to round out the Eagles in double-figures. 

Avila is back in action on Wednesday evening at Mabee Fieldhouse, taking on Evangel at 5:30.  

(photo credit: Ixtla Banda)