STRONG SECOND HALF NOT ENOUGH IN MEN’S BASKETBALL SEASON OPENER

LAMONI, Iowa – In the opening game of the 2024-25 men's basketball season, Avila fell in a close one at Graceland on Monday night, 85-74.

After struggling to finding their footing in the first 10 minutes of the season, Avila faced a 21-point deficit midway through the first half. Avila cut that lead down to a nine-point deficit at halftime before bringing it to within one point late in the second half. Graceland put the game out of reach in the final four minutes of the contest.

Avila forward Xavier Kahube led all scorers with 25 points on 7-12 shooting and knocking down 11 shots from the line. Brennan Jeffries (12) and George Williams (10) were the other Eagles in double-figures.

Graceland's depth helped them to the win, with the Yellowjackets' bench contributing 44 points.

Avila will hit the court at Mabee Fieldhouse for the team's home opener on Thursday versus Kansas Christian at 6 PM.

(photo credit: Issy Aguilar)