BOX SCORE

AZUSA, Calif. — Biola erased a late 16-point deficit and pulled within five with under a minute to play, but were unable to complete the comeback, falling 77-70 to Azusa Pacific on Tuesday night at the Felix Event Center in Azusa.

The Eagles fall to 5-14 overall and 2-8 in GSAC play with the loss while the Cougars run their record to 17-3 on the season and 9-1 in GSAC.

Biola had a strong showing from sophomore Megann Alberts, who poured in 25 points and added nine rebounds, two steals and two assists. Senior Mandi England added 14 points on 4-of-8 shooting from beyond the arch and had three assists and four rebounds.

Despite trailing by double-digits the majority of the contest, the Eagles put on an impressive rally down the stretch. Facing a 16-point deficit with just over four minutes to play, Biola went on a 20-9 run to pull within five thanks to four three-pointers–including three from England–and some strong defense. However, the Cougars managed to force a final turnover and hit four free throws down the stretch to hang on to the win.

The Eagles had a tough time getting going after a close start to the contest, despite hitting nearly 40 percent from the field in the first half. Biola committed 15 turnovers in the opening stanza leading to 14 points by Azusa.

In the second half, the Eagles turned up the heat and shot 56 percent from the field while holding the Cougars to just over 33 percent. Biola was unable to get much closer though as APU stepped up the defense and continued to force turnovers. The Eagles finally put everything together in the game's final four minutes, but fell about a minute short of tying the game.

Azusa Pacific's Kristie Hala'ufia led four Cougars in double-digits, scoring 17 points. Abby Johnson added 14 points, 10 rebounds and four steals while Kate Shipp and Michelle Byrd each had 12 points.

Biola returns home for its next two games as it begins the second half of the GSAC schedule. First up on the schedule is San Diego Christian College at Chase Gymnasium on Saturday (Feb. 2) with tip-off slated for 5:30 p.m.