Box Score
LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Packed gym? Check. DJ? Check. Senior night ceremony? Check. Thriller of a win over the No. 8 team in the country, which is a team the team hasn't beaten since 2011? Yup, that's a definite check.
 
After one of the Eagles' best performances of the year fell short on Tuesday, the team reached that level again tonight and was rewarded, beating No. 8 Vanguard, 81-76, and keeping alive a shot at hosting a playoff game. Khadidja Diakite led Biola with 19 points, but four Eagles scored in double-digits as the whole team earned the win. With the win, Biola improves to 8-6 in the Golden State Athletic Conference and currently sits in the fifth spot, just outside of hosting a playoff game. With this win they definitely put the rest of the conference on notice. They next play No. 16 The Master's College who sits a game above them in the standings.

"We have grown up over the last four games and had multiple players step in and do whatever was needed to get the win," said Head Coach Dr. Bethany Miller. "We have seen six different players in double figures over these games (all the starters and Taylor Casey), and we've made good decisions about shot selection and ball movement.
 
While tense throughout, Biola never trailed for the entire 40 minutes, allowing the Lions to tie it up just once after the tip. The lone tie came early in the second half on a Maya Kennedy, who led all scorers with 23 points, three-pointer. Her three would be answered on the next possession by a three from Diakite. The 22 percent from deep shooter, Diakite, hit two of her three attempts in this one, good for her most makes from deep in a game this year, and she finished with a new season-high in points.
 
While a great game, it got ugly at times with 38 fouls called and 38 total free throws. The tight officiating added to the already tense, playoff-like atmosphere as both coaches, fan bases and teams got increasingly vocal with the three official.  As the calls continued to mount, it looked like Biola might let this one slip away at the line. In the second half, Vanguard shot 14 free throws to Biola's 12, even with Vanguard beginning to intentionally foul to stop the clock with two and a half minutes still left in the game. In the first half, the Lions attempted 10 free throws to the Eagles' two.
 
However, Biola was able to overcome the free throw discrepancy through absolutely scorching shooting. It set season-highs in percentage from the field (.577) and from three-point distance (.579) as DeMoria White and Annie Park connected on four three-pointers apiece. White set the tone early with 11 points in the first 11 minutes, nailing her first five shots, including all four of her threes. Park picked up the scoring slack in the second half, posting 11 points on just six shots, and nailed two huge free throws down the stretch to help finish off the relentless Lions.

"Mori [White] is a talented point guard that has found her rhythm at the college level," said Miller. "We are excited to see her continue to grow and see her hard work pay off."
 
The seniors shined in their night as well. Elizabeth Munger took advantage of the openings created by White, connecting on jumpers and dump offs for 14 points. Chelsea Hill, as always, served as a focal point on offense, collecting five dimes, and playing great defense despite flirting with foul trouble. Amanda Darouie and Desiree Robinson contributed their usual toughness, defense and energy off the bench.

"Chelsea [Hill], Des [Robinson], Liz [Munger] and Amanda [Darouie] are my first graduating class as a head coach (that have played for me throughout their careers) and are a special group to me," said Miller. "They have made a significant contribution to the Biola program through each of their unique abilities, leadership, and work ethic. I have so enjoyed working with each one of them; they will be greatly missed as they move on and are well prepared to be successful at what God is calling them to next."

Tonight was a great final 2014-15 regular season game at Chase Gymnasium, but the Eagles hope for some road victories to ensure a home playoff game in a few weeks. They finish the regular season on the road Tuesday in Santa Clarita against the Mustangs and Saturday at No. 15 Westmont.