LAST-SECOND FREE THROWS SECURE AVILA WIN OVER MANHATTAN CHRISTIAN

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A game of yo-yo-type leads ended in a narrow victory for Avila over Manhattan Christian, 68-64, on Tuesday evening at Mabee Fieldhouse.

A tightly-contested first half saw Manhattan Christian hold a seven-point lead late in the first frame. From that small lead with 5:28 remaining, the Eagles ended the first period on a 17-3 run to take a 39-32 lead into halftime.

Manhattan Christian's strong play in the first half came with the help of 6-of-14 shooting from deep even though the Thunder only managed to shoot 38 percent from the field in the first half.

Avila got off to a strong start in the second half, increasing their seven-point halftime lead to 11 points five minutes in, forcing a Thunder timeout.

Strong defensive play kept Avila with the lead in the second half, forcing six Manhattan Christian turnovers and holding them to just 40 percent shooting in the final 20 minutes.

Avila held a 10-point lead with 2:22 remaining before Manhattan Christian fought its way back. What was once a double-digit lead was cut to two points with 18 seconds remaining.

Missed free throws by both teams played a huge factor in the ballgame, but the Eagles saved their best free throw shooting for the end.

Following the Thunder three-pointer, Joe Kearney went to the line with two seconds remaining and a two-point lead.

For the first time all night, an Eagles player made both free throws. Kearney's two makes put the game out of reach and Avila held on for a four-point win.

Xavier Kahube had another huge game, putting up 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Kearney was the other double-figure scorer for Avila, putting up 18 points on 4-of-10 shooting from deep.

The Eagles shot 48.2 percent from the field, but just 50 percent from the free throw line. Both teams combined for 33 turnovers in the game. Avila was able to score 21 points off Manhattan Christian turnovers. The Eagles dominated down low, outscoring the Thunder 38-22 in the paint.

Avila is back in action for its KCAC opener on Saturday at Bethany. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 PM.

 (photo credit: Alex Walton)