Men’s Basketball: Hawks fall twice in Harvesters Classic

Avila withstood a late Rockhurst rally to post a 75-69 victory over the Hawks on the first day of the Rock U Harvesters Classic Friday at RU’s Mason-Halpin Field House.

The Hawks went on a 25-11 run to tie the score at 59-59 on a three-point field goal by junior guard Brandon McCann with 4:37 left in the game. Avila scored the next five points and hit eight-of-10 free throws in the final 1:24 to hold off the Hawks.

Avila jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the first three minutes and led 35-28 at halftime. The Eagles ended up shooting 43.9 percent from the field as four of their players scored in double figures.

Rockhurst hit 25-of-53 field goals for 47.2 percent shooting. McCann led the Hawks with 16 points and five assists. James Robinson also finished with 16 points. B.J. Dunbar added eight points, four rebounds and five assists.

On Saturday, Rockhurst suffered a 63-35 loss to Missouri Western. McCann led the Hawks with 11 points. Liam Duffy posted a team-high six rebounds and B.J. Dunbar collected five assists. Rockhurst, 1-6, will host McPherson on Dec. 15 before beginning conference play at home on Jan. 3.