Junior forward DJ Johnson's double-double wasn't enough to push the Owls past the Eagles in a 73-63 loss on Wednesday night.
Johnson logged a team-high 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting, while leading all players with 15 rebounds.
William Woods junior guard Jarett Boss posted 11 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field and 2-of-5 3-pointers.
The Owls (1-3) shot 50 percent as a team (23-of-46) and matched Avila in rebounding with 35.
The Eagles were 37.5 percent from the floor (27-of-72), but scored 22 points off 26 William Woods turnovers.
Sedrick Johnson paced Avila with a game-high 21 points, while Brandon Murillo and Jimmy Dekraai chipped in with 15 and 11, respectively.
The Owls host Bellevue University at 7 p.m. Saturday at Anderson Arena.