KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Southwestern College leaned on balanced scoring and defensive activity, but Avila University used efficient shooting late to pull away for a 75–65 win in a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup Monday night.

Southwestern (14–6 overall, 8–6 KCAC) stayed within reach throughout the contest. Nigel John led the Builders with 16 points and six rebounds, while Evan Barber added 15 points and knocked down three 3-pointers. Wyatt Bell finished with 12 points in a game-high 39 minutes, and Isaac Hoberecht chipped in 10 points with three assists.

The Builders trailed 38–32 at halftime and continued to apply pressure defensively, forcing 14 turnovers and recording nine steals. Eli Sawyers provided a lift off the bench with eight points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.

Avila (12–8 overall) was led by Xavier Kahube, who posted 25 points and 10 rebounds on 10-of-15 shooting. Gio Mack added 17 points and eight rebounds as the Eagles shot 52.8 percent from the field and went 12-of-14 at the free-throw line, using a late second-half run to extend a single-digit lead and close out the game.

Southwestern shot 40.4 percent from the field and remained competitive into the final minutes before Avila sealed the game at the stripe.

Southwestern returns to action Wednesday, Jan. 28, traveling to North Newton, Kan., for a 7 p.m. KCAC road contest at Bethel College (KS) inside Thresher Gym.