SLOW FIRST HALF DOOMS AVILA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL IN LOSS AT COTTEY

NEVADA, Mo. – In search of their first win of the season, a 13-point halftime deficit doomed Avila women's basketball on Wednesday night at Cottey College as the Eagles fell to the Comets, 64-54.

Avila shot 34 percent in the first half and couldn't compete with Cottey's hot shooting as the Comets ended the first half nearing 50 percent from the field.

Cottey also controlled the game down low, outscoring Avila 28-12 in the paint throughout the game.

The Eagles made a comeback attempt starting in the third quarter, outscoring the Comets by four immediately out of the break.

Avila kept it close in the fourth quarter, but Cottey put the game out of reach in the in the final 10 minutes.

Marlie Wright was Avila's leading scorer for the second time in three games this season, putting up 23 points with the help of 4-of-8 shooting from behind the arc.

Avila opens up KCAC play on Saturday afternoon as the Eagles travel to Bethany to take on the Swedes. Tipoff from Lindsborg is slated for 1 PM.