BOX SCORE

ORANGE, Calif. --- Despite holding an 18-point first-half lead, Biola was unable to hold on in the second half for the win as Chapman University pulled out a 68-61 victory over the Eagles in a non-conference game Saturday night in Orange.

The Eagles, who drop to 9-13 overall with the loss, were led by sophomore Megann Alberts, who scored 24 points and pulled down 19 rebounds. However, the Panthers' (17-5) Nicole Hayman scored 33 points, including hitting five three-pointers, to lead all scorers.

Biola looked like they may be able to score a minor upset over Chapman after jumping out to a 15-5 lead midway through the first-half. The Eagles expanded the lead out to 18 points on two occasions, the last coming at 33-15 with 2:08 to go before the half.

However, it was all Chapman from that point. The Cougars then went on a 20-1 run that spanned halftime to take their first lead of the game. Chapman extended its lead to as many as eight with 2:48 to go and held on for the victory.

Biola held Chapman to just 29-percent shooting from the field in the first half, but hit an impressive 50-percent in the second. Biola was a consistant 45-percent in both halves, but turned the ball over 26 times leading to 21 Cougar points.

Summer Matthews and Elise Paty each scored nine points for Biola with Matthews adding eight rebounds.

Biola returns to conference play on Tuesday (Feb. 6) to host The Master's College at 5:30 p.m.