MEN’S BASKETBALL CONTINUES ITS BEST START IN NEARLY A DECADE, TOPS STERLING

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A huge 60-51 win over Sterling in the team's conference home opener saw Avila win its first three conference games for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

A big crowd at Mabee Fieldhouse saw Avila put up one of its best all-around games of the early season as reigning KCAC Offensive Player of the Week Xavier Kahube (24 points and 14 rebounds) put up his second double-double of the season.

Sterling held a five-point lead with eight minutes remaining in the first half before Avila ended the opening 20 minutes on a 15-7 run to take a 29-26 lead into the halftime locker rooms.

A back-and-forth game had five lead changes and eight ties throughout the 40 minutes, with neither team holding a lead of more than nine at any point in the contest.

Avila held Sterling to just 33 percent shooting in the game and forced six turnovers in each half. The Eagles defense also swatted away a season-high eight Warrior shots on Saturday afternoon.

Avila's defense held Sterling to just five points in the final 10 minutes of the game as Avila ended the game on a 23-5 run.

With the win, the Eagles have already surpassed last season's win total and have won four-straight games.

The Eagles will look to make it five-straight wins at UHSP on Tuesday evening. Tipoff from St. Louis is slated for 7 PM.