BOX SCORE

SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. --- Sophomore Rocky Hampton scored 28 points on 11-for-15 shooting from the field as Biola defeated Bethany University (Calif.) 82-61 in the opening game of the Bethany University Christmas Classic on Thursday night.

The Eagles improve to 8-4 on the season with their fourth win in the last five games while dropping the Bruins to 0-16.

Hampton carried the Biola offense thanks to a career-best shooting night where he missed just four shots and scored a season-high 28 points in just 19 minutes. He also converted six of seven free-throw attempts and added seven rebounds.

Biola continued its impressive shooting, hitting 28-of-53 on the night (52.8 percent) while holding Bethany to just 38 precent shooting from the field.

The Bruins were led by George Golden, who scored 19 points while Gabe Jenkins added 14 points.

The Eagles' only other double-digit scorer was Josh Salo, who poured in 11 points off the bench. Sophomore guard Marlon King had just three points on the night, but recorded a game-high nine assists and four steals.

Biola closes out the tournament on Friday (Dec. 28) against Evangel University (Mo.) at 3:30 p.m. The Crusaders enter the game with a 9-2 record and are ranked No. 5 in the NAIA Division II rankings.