HILLSBORO, Kan. – Wednesday's loss looked to fuel the Tabor College Men's Basketball program as they played host to Avila University on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Bluejays found themselves down big as Avila took a 16-point lead at the 11:04 mark, but Marvin Ruffin's jumper less than a minute later got them going on their first run of the game. Batosse Gado put TC within four points with a quick jumper at the 4:23 mark, with Zach Hiebert narrowing the gap between the two squads even further, draining a huge three with just over three minutes left to play in the half. The Eagles went on another run, taking a 12-point lead into the half, 43-31.
 
Ruffin helped pull the Bluejays back within five with 4:40 left to play and the Bluejays kept on fighting, but Avila pulled away for a 10-point win, 80-70.
 
Despite the loss, the Bluejays showed plenty of fight and there are plenty of positive takeaways from their performance. Kalep Crane led the Bluejays in scoring with 26 points while pulling down two boards and grabbing one steal. Marvin Ruffin poured in a season-high 16 points, while Kam Kaniper and Zach Hiebert finished just outside of double figures with nine points apiece. Kaniper dominated the boards, pulling down 10 total, while leading the team on defense with four steals and two blocks.
 
Tabor heads to Phoenix, Ariz. to take on Nelson University Arizona on Friday and California Maritime Academy on Saturday.
 
Be sure to stay up to date with all information regarding Bluejay Athletics by following us on X at @gotaborbluejays, on Instagram and Facebook @taborbluejays, and on our official athletic website, taborbluejays.com.
 
Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).