BOX SCORE

FULLERTON, Calif. --- Sophomore center Megann Alberts scored 23 points and added 20 rebounds as Biola University picked up its second straight victory in a 62-50 win over Hope International Tuesday night in Fullerton.

The Eagles improve to 9-11 overall and 4-7 in Golden State Athletic Conference play with the victory while the Royals drop to 8-12 and 2-9.

Both teams played well in the first half, with six ties and five lead changes through the first 20 minutes. Alberts got off to a strong start, pulling down her 10th rebound just nine minutes in.

Biola, which trailed by one at 27-26 at halftime, opened the second half on a 22-7 run to take its biggest lead of the game at 48-34 with 11:12 remaining.

Hope chipped away to narrow the gap to 54-48 on a long three-pointer by Cynthia Hernandez with 5:30 left. However, that proved to be the final field goal for the Royals as Biola closed the game with an 8-2 run to seal the deal.

Alberts 20 rebounds was one better than her previous career-high of 19, which she recorded against Cal Baptist on Jan. 7. Her 23 points marked the 11th time this season and sixth straight game she has scored 20-plus points.

Senior guard Rochelle Rausch had 11 points and five assists with sophomore forward Kelsey Erickson adding 10 points.

Jasmine Nault scored 16 points to lead the way for Hope.

Biola had just 10 turnovers in the game, its lowest total in over two years.

The Eagles were able to exact a bit of revenge with the victory after Hope scored a 62-57 win in La Mirada earlier this season.

Biola returns home for a GSAC game against Point Loma Nazarene on Thursday (Feb. 1) at 5:30 p.m.