CROSSTOWN NAIL-BITER DOES NOT GO AVILA’S WAY

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – In the final event of the 2024 calendar, Avila women's basketball lost a nail-biter to Park on Tuesday at Mabee Fieldhouse, 71-69.

Avila led for nearly the entirety of the first three quarters, but an ice-cold fourth quarter doomed the Eagles on New Year's Eve as their losing streak stretched to four games.

Both squads came out hot in the first frame, as Avila (50.0) and Park (61.5) both knocked down more than half of their first-quarter shots. The Eagles used a strong second quarter and solid defensive effort to hold a five-point halftime lead.

Despite playing just one minute in the second quarter, Madilyn Melton led Avila with nine first-half points.

The Eagles came out of the halftime locker room looking to extend their lead and their strong offensive play helped them outscore Park 22-17 in the third quarter. Two three-pointers from Kathleen Stanley helped pave the way for the Eagles.

Avila went into the fourth quarter holding a 59-49 lead.

But Park would come in to the final 10 minutes with a chip on their shoulder.

The Pirates started the quarter with a 10-0 run in less than two minutes of play. Avila was outscored 22-10 in the fourth. The Eagles only hit four of 13 field goals in the final period and only had two free throw attempts compared to Park's 9-of-11 shooting from the line and 50 percent from the field.

Four of Avila's five starters were in double-figures in the game, led by Hannah Smith's 17 points. Playing through foul trouble, Melton put up 13 points and four rebounds in 17 minutes. EJ Adams pulled down nine rebounds and dished out three assists off the bench, while Anastasia Wright and Brianne Kuhlman each chipped in with five points as substitutes.

Avila returns to KCAC play on Saturday as they take on Bethel at Mabee Fieldhouse. Tipoff is slated for 1 PM.