STRONG NIGHTS FROM MELTON AND WRIGHT NOT ENOUGH FOR WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS. SAINT MARY

LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The seventh double-double from Madilyn Melton and a 19-point night from Marlie Wright were not enough as Avila women's basketball fell in a close game at Saint Mary on Tuesday night, 71-67.

The game, which was bumped up a day in preparation for winter weather impacting the area, came down to the wire. With 50 seconds remaining, Marlie Wright drove to the basket to make a layup to bring Avila to within one.

However, on the ensuing possession, Saint Mary knocked down a three-pointer to take momentum back. The Spires would hit both free throws on their next possession to end the game with the four-point loss for the Eagles.

Avila fought back in the second half after trailing by six following the first quarter. Twelve of Wright's 19 points came in the third quarter, when she shot 3-of-5 from the floor and hit five of six shots from the foul line. Additionally, Wright had another big night on the defensive end, recording her sixth-straight game with three or more steals and eighth in the last nine contests.

Melton's 20-point, 12-rebound night was her seventh double-double of the season.

As a team, the Eagles (44.2 percent) outshot the Spires (38 percent) from the floor, but Saint Mary hit 10 three-pointers compared to Avila's two in the game. Apart from the long-range shooting, the two KCAC rivals were fairly evenly-matched on the night.

With three games remaining in the regular season, Avila will look to snap its three-game losing streak on Saturday at Sterling. Tipoff is slated for 1 PM.

 (photo credit: Ali Nassir)