BOX SCORE
EL CAJON, Calif. --- Playing in one of the toughest gyms in the Golden State Athletic Conference, Biola University started out the second half of conference play with a 59-49 upset win at No. 10 San Diego Christian Saturday night in El Cajon.
The Eagles, who had dropped four of their last five games, improve to 11-10 on the season and 5-6 in conference play.
The Hawks, who entered the night leading the GSAC and riding a six-game winning streak, fall to 15-3 overall and 8-3 in conference.
The Biola victory is especially sweet considering that San Diego Christian had won 28 of its last 29 home games. Coming into tonight, Biola had lost its last five games in El Cajon with its last victory coming during the 2001 GSAC playoffs.
Freshman forward Rocky Hampton scored a game-high 21 points on 9-of-11 shooting to lead the way for the Eagles. Junior forward Lafayette Lofton added 11 points.
Hampton closed out the half with a monster dunk, capping a 9-0 run and sending the Eagles to the locker room with a 34-23 halftime lead. He scored 13 of his 21 in the first 20 minutes.
In the second half, Biola stretched the lead to 12 on two occasions before the Hawks clawed their way back into the game. San Diego Christian closed the gap to three at 49-46 with 3:06 remaining on a jumper by Daniel Wall.
However, the Hawks would get no closer. The Eagles, who had made just seven of 18 free throws entering the final three minutes of play, were a perfect 8-for-8 down the stretch to seal the deal.
Only one player for the Hawks was in double-figures as Jeremiah Trueman scored 11 points on the night. Biola played strong defense, as San Diego Christian managed to shoot just over 36 percent from the field. The Eagles were an impressive 53 percent on a season-low 38 field goal attempts.
Biola exacted a measure of revenge on San Diego Christian for a 62-61 loss in La Mirada earlier in the season. In that game, the Hawks' Drew Sanchez hit a running jumper with 21 seconds left that proved to be the game-winner.
The Eagles return to action on Tuesday (Jan. 30) as they travel to face Hope International in Fullerton. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.
