KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Friends University Falcons came up short 68-61 at the Avila University Eagles in KCAC action today (Feb. 1) in Kansas City, Mo. The loss moves the Falcons to 12-4 in conference play and into a tie for second with Tabor College, who they'll host Wednesday evening (Feb. 5). 

The Falcons led early 4-3, but the Eagles scored the next 11 points to take command. Friends went scoreless for more than six minutes during that stretch that allowed the Eagles to lead by eight after one quarter before building the lead up to 15 in the second period. 

Avila led 28-20 at the break and maintained control through the third and carried a double-digit lead of 48-38 into the final quarter. 

Still trailing by 10 at the 6:31 mark, the Falcons made a surge as a three by Lauryn McIver capped a 13-2 burst to give Friends its first lead since that 4-3 edge. 

But a three-point play by Madilyn Melton started an 8-0 run by Avila and Marlie Wright made four straight free throws over the final 19 seconds to seal the win for the Eagles. 

McIver scored a team-high 17 points for the Falcons (14-8, 12-4 KCAC), with Kori Babcock and Taylor Jackson adding 14 points apiece. Jackson also led the team with eight rebounds. 

Melton led four players in double-figures with 22 points along with a team-leading nine boards for Avila. Wright scored 15 points and hit 11 free throws out of 12 attempts. Hannah Smith added 12 points and Kathleen Stanley chipped in with 11 for the Eagles (7-15, 7-9 KCAC). 

The Falcons were outrebounded 33-29, but held a 12-9 edge on the offensive glass. 

Wednesday's showdown with Tabor for the second spot in the KCAC is set for 6 pm inside the Garvey Center.