Box Score LA MIRADA, Calif. --- A strong team effort on defense and solid shooting performance from a few individuals keyed a third-straight victory to start the season as Biola beat Northwest (WA) 68-52.
 
The Eagles held the lead for almost the entire game, allowing just one lead change on the night in a stifling shooting performance that was far from matched by Northwest.
 
Biola was 25-56 from the floor, shooting at a 45 percent clip, while the visiting lost its stroke in its second consecutive night of play against a Golden State Athletic Conference opponent. Northwest missed 35 shots from the floor to shoot just 34 percent.
 
"We shot a good percentage from the floor, and their percentage was low, so we must have done some things defensively that were good," said Head Coach Dr. Dave Holmquist.
 
Defensively, Biola had four blocks, two courtesy Mike Kurtz, and tacked on six steals to neutralize the Northwest offensive attack. The visitors had 11 turnovers while Biola limited itself to just four turnovers. The Eagles profited off those turnovers to the tune of eight points.
 
The offense was anchored by 50 percent shooting from behind the arc, led by Pierre Zook, who was 5-8 from deep and was second on the team with 17 points.
 
Dakari Archer enjoys playing inside Chase Gym. He led the team with 18 points, making it the second time in as many games he's led the team in scoring at home. His previous team leading performance came courtesy 18 points at the free-throw line, but tonight his ability make make shots from midrange and drive the basket that stood out.
 
"The pace of tonight's game was slower," said Holmquist. "They did a good job with their press and trap to slow the game down."
 
Part of what slowed the game down was a bunch of fouls, which would have made a difference if Northwest could've drained a few more buckets from the floor. Northwest went 11-13 from the free-throw line, while Biola realized a spot for improvement, going just 7-15 from the stripe. Zook was the only Eagle to go without missing at least one free throw. He was 2-for-2.
 
"I think Pierre hit some nice threes that were important for us, and Dakari's been good every game," said Holmquist. "Grant Corsi came off the bench and did some good things defensively, but it is always a team win."
 
With this team win, Biola is off to its fifth 3-0 start in the last six seasons. The only year it did not begin 3-0 was 2013-14. Northwest moves to 2-2 after its loss.
 
The Eagles host Bethesda at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, preceding women's basketball's showdown with Azusa Pacific.