BOX SCORE

LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Rafael Da Silva scored a game-high 21 points to lead No. 5-ranked Concordia University to an 83-69 win over Biola Saturday night at Chase Gymnasium.

Biola drops to 13-14 on the season with the loss and sits at 7-10 in GSAC play. Concordia, ranked No. 5 in the latest NAIA National Poll, improves to 23-4 and 14-3 in conference action.

Matt Emadi had a team-high 19 points and was 6-of-9 from the field to lead four Biola players in double-figures. Solomon Mercado added 17 points while Lafayette Lofton scored 11 points and added 10 rebounds before fouling out.

Biola trailed throughout the game, but was able to close the gap and didn't let Concordia get away too easily. CUI led by as many as 10 in the first half, though Biola was able to pull within six at halftime. In the second half, Biola narrowed the gap to just one at 50-49 with 12:12 remaining, but Josh Kramer came right back down and drained a long three and Biola would get no closer.

After a free throw by Mercado pulled Biola back to within four at 60-56 with 6:47 to go, Concordia used a 10-2 run to break the game open. they would lead by as many as 17 before settling on the 83-69 win.

Concordia was strong from beyond the arc, hitting 12-of-29 from three-point range--everyone one seeming to come just as Biola was pulling close again.

Biola retuns to action on Tuesday (Feb. 20), hosting Fresno Pacific University in its final regular season home game. Tip off is slated for 7:30 p.m.