KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Mission Women's Basketball fell 89–66 on Tuesday night at Avila University, but the Patriots closed the night with a noticeably improved second half — outscoring Avila in the fourth quarter and showing significantly sharper execution after the break.
Avila Starts the Game Red-Hot
Avila opened the night on fire, shooting 66.7% from the field and 60% from three in the first quarter while building a 36–15 lead. Their offensive rhythm continued into the second period, where they posted 29 more points and shot 44% from the floor, taking a commanding 65–37 advantage into halftime.
The Eagles knocked down 12 threes for the game and assisted on 21 baskets, using crisp ball movement and timely perimeter scoring to set the early tone.
Mission Responds With a Stronger Second Half
Despite the tough opening half, Mission regrouped and played its best basketball after halftime — especially defensively.
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The Patriots held Avila to just 36 second-half points (compared to 65 in the first half).
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Mission outscored Avila 22–18 in the fourth quarter, their best frame of the night.
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The team also tightened up ball security and rebounding, winning several extended possessions late.
Offensively, Mission found better rhythm as the night progressed, converting five threes, shooting 85% from the free-throw line, and grabbing 40 total rebounds, including 13 second-chance opportunities.
Patriot Highlights
Ireland Jones led Mission with 23 points, including a perfect 12-for-12 at the free-throw line.
Miya Nieto added 20 points, knocking down three threes while providing steady scoring throughout the night.
Autumn Gunter and Jayla Kirksey provided a spark off the bench with several key defensive plays and 16 combined points.
Inside the Numbers
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Rebounds: Mission 40, Avila 42
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Second-Chance Points: Mission 13, Avila 16
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Free Throws: Mission 23–27 (85.2%)
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Turnovers: Mission 19, Avila 14
Mission played Avila nearly even in rebounds and had more offensive boards, but the Eagles' early shot-making created an uphill climb.
Up Next
Mission returns to action on December 2 on the road against Haskell Indian Nations University.
