MEN’S BASKETBALL SNAPS LOSING STREAK, ENDS 2024 WITH WIN AT TABOR

HILLSBORO, Kan. – Looking to end 2024 right, Avila men's basketball traveled to Tabor on Saturday afternoon and left with an 80-70 win, snapping a three-game losing streak.

Four of Avila's five starters finished in double figures, including Brennan Jeffries, who recorded the first double-double of his Eagles career (14 points and 10 rebounds) while shooting a perfect 6-6 from the floor.

Avila got out to a big lead in the first half, leading by as much as 17 points midway through the first. Jeffries was halfway to his double-double in the opening 20 minutes, putting up 10 points and five boards.

As a team, Avila shot nearly 50 percent from the floor and knocked down 85.7 percent of its shots from the free throw line in the first. The Eagles and Bluejays went to the locker room with Avila holding a 43-31 lead.

Tabor put up more fight in the second half, but were still no match for Avila.

As a team, the Eagles hit nearly half of its field goals and outshot the Bluejays from behind the arc throughout the game. Avila also controlled the glass, with four players picking up five or more rebounds.

Joining Jeffries in the double-digit scoring club were Xavier Kahube (19 points and nine rebounds), Brionne Williams (15 points) and Joe Kearney (11 points).

The Eagles have wrapped up their 2024 calendar regular season and will return to KCAC action on January 4 vs. Bethel at Mabee Fieldhouse. However, Avila will play an exhibition at Missouri Southern on Thursday. Tipoff from Joplin is slated for 6 PM.