Box Score LA MIRADA, Calif. --- With the score at 66-69 and 0.2 seconds left, it seemed like the slate would be wiped clean. After being down by 16 points to CSU Dominguez Hills with 4:54 left in the game, Biola had a chance to bring it all the way back with DeMoria White headed to the line for three free throws.

The first two swished home without incident and with clenched muscles the Eagles were hoping to race ahead to a win in overtime. But White's final free throw came off a little strong and the rim spit the ball back out into the hands of a waiting Toros rebounder to end the Eagle's season opener with a 68-69 loss.

"This was a really good challenge for us from a physical and athletic NCAA Division II team," said Head Coach Alan Nakamura. "We'll learn from this game and it'll help us improve going into the rest of the season."

Although the game had a lot of late drama, the momentum of the contest really turned at the beginning of the second half when Biola came out of the break with a five-point third quarter.

Through the first half, the game was a near stalemate as Biola headed into halftime with a 34-33 lead. Both teams had 11 field goals and six three pointers, while the Toros had the slimmest of margins in rebounds at 21 to 20. But the Eagles simply came out of the break cold, surrendering eight turnovers and going 0-for-6 from beyond the arc during the third quarter.

That allowed CSUDH to begin the fourth with a double-digit lead that lasted until just over three minutes left when Biola shortened the deficit to eight and began to show rumblings of a comeback.

It was freshman Tatum Brimley who led the resurgence for Biola, posting nine of her team-leading 15 points in the final period with an assist and a steal. Additionally, forward Joclyn Kirton was a rebounding machine down the stretch with nine boards and eight points in the second half en route to securing Biola's first double-double of the season. Kirton finished with 11 rebounds and 12 points.

"Tatum played fearless tonight and the 44 points from our guards shows why we're so excited about our backcourt," said Nakamura. "I know Mori is frustrated by that missed free throw, but she did a great job as a leader today and she is still the player we want to take those shots late in the game."

Saturday's game was the first of four contests the Eagles will play against NCAA Division II opponents this season, with the next three all coming against current members of the PacWest conference, which Biola will join next year. The Toros made it to the NCAA Division II West Regionals last year after going 22-10 during the regular season; so it would be appropriate for Biola to look on this game with confidence as they prepare for upcoming matchups against Point, Concordia Irvine and, most importantly, Azusa Pacific.

Until then, the Eagles look to regroup and get set for their next game at home this coming Wednesday against the Bethesda Flames at 5:30 p.m.