Box Score LA MIRADA, Calif. --- The last time Biola and The Master's College met it was a two-point game that was not decided until inside of the final 10 seconds. On Tuesday night the level of intrigue was just a bit less, but was at least competitive through the first three quarters.
 
The Eagles hosted the No. 10 Mustangs for the first time since a five-point loss in late-January 2014 and managed to keep with the top team in the GSAC for much of the first 30 minutes.
 
Biola rode a lot of perimeter offense and scoring from its guards to keep the game within 10 points heading into the fourth quarter. The guard scoring was necessary on a night when the Eagles' two prominent forwards combined to shoot 1-of-18 for just five total points.
 
"The Master's is a talented, balanced, well-coached team. They can beat you inside, and from the outside," said Head Coach Alan Nakamura. "They are in the top-10 for a reason. We did a lot off good things tonight, but we need to keep working on how to compete with top teams for 40 minutes. We have a lot of work to do. We are improving, but we aren't there yet."
 
Another strong night from DeMoria White (20 points) helped the Eagles remain close despite shooting 14 percent lower than the Mustangs. Aubree Mittel also had a strong performance as she knocked down four of her six shots, including three threes, to work her way to 11 points.
 
Tina Esbenshade had a noteworthy night as the first-year player scored seven points, had three steals and four rebounds in a fantastic 21 minutes off the bench. That 21 minutes is second only to one other game where she played 29 minutes earlier this year.
 
After Biola tightened the game to that 10-point margin with a 16-point third quarter the team took a huge step back in the fourth. The Eagles were outscored 16-11 in the final frame, including a quick 6-1 start by TMC that put the game out of reach.
 
"We played well in spurts, but we need to maintain focus and intensity," said Mittel.
"We had some mental fatigue, but I'm excited about what we can accomplish as a team!"
 
The loss brings Biola back to a familiar place at exactly .500. The Eagles are 13-13 overall and 6-6 in Golden State Athletic Conference play. The Master's College continues its dominant season as it improves to 21-3 (11-1 GSAC). Biola travels to Westmont for another difficult test this Saturday evening against the No. 2 Warriors.