MEN’S BASKETBALL FALLS TO FRIENDS

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Avila men's basketball was unable to hold on to a one-point halftime lead and fell to the KCAC's top-ranked team, Friends, on Saturday at Mabee Fieldhouse, 78-64.

Fifty-percent shooting in the first half and five three-pointers gave Avila a 36-35 halftime lead. However, multiple Avila scoreless stretches in the second half helped Friends take the lead and the eventual victory.

Avila was only able to hit one shot from behind the arc in the second half and shot less than 40 percent from the floor in the final 20 minutes, compared to 54 percent shooting from the Falcons and seven three-pointers.

Xavier Kahube had a solid 19-point, seven-rebound performance with four blocked shots on the defensive end. Robert Lee III added 13 points to the Eagles offensive effort.

Friends was able to take advantage in transition, putting up 22 points off of 12 Avila turnovers in the game. Additionally, the Falcons' bench outscored the Eagles 23-11.

Avila (9-12, 6-10) will look to get back in the win column on Wednesday night versus Ottawa. Tipoff from Mabee Fieldhouse is slated for 7:30 PM.