Rockhurst exploded in the second half in cruising to a 95-72 victory over Avila Monday afternoon at RU's Mason-Halpin Field House.

The Hawks went on a 30-10 run in the second half to take a 78-59 lead with 8:20 left to play. Rockhurst outscored the Eagles 52-27 in the second half after trailing 45-43 at halftime

"That was another game where the opponent was able to really light us up in the first half," said Rockhurst coach Drew Diener. "Their confidence continued to grow throughout the first half. We guarded with much more urgency in the second half. When we get stops, our transition offense is tough to guard." 

Auston Rushing came off the bench to lead the Hawks with 27 points in 27 minutes. He made eight 3-pointers, including five threes in the first half. Curtis Lewis posted 17 points, six assists and five rebounds.

Connor Evans collected 12 points, nine rebounds, three steals and two blocked shots. Alex Hagan tallied 10 points and 13 rebounds. Travis House scored 12 points on four 3-pointers. Quinton Curry added nine points and four rebounds. Rockhurst outrebounded Avila, 42-25.

Rockhurst shot 47.1 percent from the field (32 of 68) and 78.3 percent from the foul line (18 of 23). Avila made 27 of 59 field goals (45.8 percent) and 10 of 11 free throws (90.9 percent).

The Hawks hosted over 90 elementary children (grades 4-6) from Troost Elementary with a clinic and campus tour prior to the game tipping off at noon.

"I thought the kids from Troost Elementary were great," added Diener. "They brought a lot of energy to the gym. Our partnership with them is very fulfilling on a lot of levels."

The Hawks (7-4) take off for the holidays before traveling to Newman on Dec. 30.