HUGE NIGHT FROM XAVIER KAHUBE NOT ENOUGH AS MEN’S BASKETBALL DROPS TO OTTAWA

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Despite 37 points and 11 rebounds from Xavier Kahube, Avila men's basketball dropped their sixth-straight game on Wednesday night, losing to Ottawa, 80-71 in front of a raucous crowd at Mabee Fieldhouse.

A total of 46 fouls were called in the 40 minutes between the two teams with five total players fouling out of the contest.

The game featured 11 ties and 12 lead changes throughout the contest, with Ottawa pulling away in the final five minutes.

Avila led by five at the midway point of the first half, but Ottawa would end the half on a 25-16 run to take a five-point lead into the half.

Twenty-nine fouls were called in the second half, as both teams found it difficult to get into a groove, with both squads shooting below 40 percent in the second half.

After Kahube knocked down a free throw to tie the game with 13:26 remaining, Ottawa's PJ Twa answered back with a layup. From there, the Braves would not let up the lead.

Kahube's 37 points in the game were the most by an Avila player since Brionne Williams dropped 34 on Nov. 26. It was Kahube's sixth double-double of the season and fifth game with 25 or more points.

The Eagles were outrebounded by the Braves, 57-29 despite Avila outscoring Ottawa in the paint, 40-36. Ottawa's bench and Ottawa on the glass were what won the Braves the game, as Ottawa's reserves outscored Avila's, 32-13.

Avila will look to snap its win streak on Saturday at Bethel. Tipoff is slated for 3 PM.

(photo credit: Amari Leath)