HUGE FIRST HALF PROPELS WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TO WIN OVER MISSION

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A 65-point first half helped Avila women's basketball to an 89-66 win over Mission at Mabee Fieldhouse on Tuesday night, snapping the program's brief two-game losing streak.

The Eagles shot lights-out in the opening 20 minutes, led by 17 each from Kathleen Stanley and Marlie Wright. Stanley shot 5-5 from three-point range in the first half and Wright's 17 were helped by a perfect 9-9 from the foul line.

Wright finished with a game-high 23 points, including 13-of-15 from the free throw line, her second time with double-figure makes from the charity stripe this season.

Avila's smothering defense held Mission to just 37 first-half points on 11-of-28 shooting and 11 turnovers.

A sluggish third quarter from Avila was eased by a 28-point halftime lead.

With the big lead entering the second half, head coach Remy Wolfe was able to get minutes for her entire roster, including career-highs in points from Talia Dyson (12) and Ashlyn Kuhlman (15). Dyson had her best game as an Eagle, adding five steals to her stat line.

In addition to Dyson and Kuhlman, Brylie Hicks (five) and Ava Baker (seven) pulled down career-high rebounding totals in the win.

Avila's 12 total makes from behind the arc were its first time with double-digit threes since Jan. 13 and its first with 12 or more since Nov. 23, 2024.

The Eagles led in nearly every statistical category on Tuesday night.

On a night where the offense shined, the defense played a big part in the victory, highlighted by 19 forced turnovers and 21 points off turnovers. 

Heading into the Thanksgiving break, Avila is back at Mabee Fieldhouse on Dec. 3 versus Oklahoma Wesleyan at 5:30 PM.

 (photo credit: Ali Nassir)