KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The William Woods University men's basketball team (0-2) hit the road on Wednesday night, looking to secure its first win of the season against Avila University (2-0).

The Owls struggled early to find their offensive rhythm, but their defense kept them in the game through the first half. Jacob LaBounty anchored the defensive effort, pulling down three rebounds and recording a block. Azarion Richardson paced the early scoring with five points, including a make from beyond the arc.

Avila's defense tightened as the half progressed, holding the Owls to just 25 first-half points. However, the Woods defense matched the energy, limiting the Eagles to 35 points and heading into the locker room trailing by 10.

Coming out of the break, both offenses caught fire, turning the game into an offensive showdown. William Woods cut the deficit to single digits before Avila responded with a 19-4 run to create separation.

Mark Onyejekwe led the Owls' second-half surge, posting 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting, including 2-of-4 from deep. Oshae Barquet and Demarco Buchanan each contributed eight points, with Buchanan also collecting five rebounds.

Despite a late push, Avila's offense proved too much as the Owls were handed their second loss of the season.

William Woods will look to regroup and capture its first win when it travels to Ottawa University next Friday.