Box Score LA MIRADA, Calif. --- While there were some playoff implications attached to Saturday evening's matchup with Hope International, Head Coach Alan Nakamura's squad was primarily intent on honoring its three seniors in their final game at Chase Gymnasium.
 
Biola dropped the contest to the much-improved Royals, 51-61, before honoring Taylor Casey, Aubree Mittel and Tina Esbenshade for their contributions to the program with a ceremony after the game.
 
"Aubree made big plays scoring, moving the ball, and grabbing important rebounds," said Nakamura. "Taylor showed her usual leadership and energy by leading the charge in the second half. Losing Tina in the first half really hurt us. We missed her play-making ability."
 
A challenging first quarter put the Eagles behind the eight ball early on as the team trailed by 11 points heading into the second period of play. Hope International scored 35 first-half points, which was a mark Biola did not reach until there was just 12 minutes left in the game.
 
It was poor shooting that did the Eagles in early in the game as the team could only make 22 percent of its shots from the floor through the first 20 minutes. Biola dominated the glass at both ends of the floor and HIU could not make a free-throw shot for anything, but the poor shooting led to a BU deficit despite the other factors.
 
Meanwhile, Alexis Perry was busy taking over the game for the Royals. She shot 5-of-8 in the first half and was remarkable around the basket. Eventually she'd end up with a team-high 18 points in the winning effort.
 
Taylor Casey, powered by a huge second half, led all scorers with her 21 points. It was a fantastic individual performance to celebrate her senior night. She was 5-of-7 from the floor in the second half as the Eagles clamored to climb back into a game they never led.
 
"Hope is a tough team. They make a lot of plays and can shoot the ball," said Nakamura. "They got off to a good start tonight, but I am proud of the way our team fought back and made it a game down the stretch. As I have said before, there is no doubting the effort, unity, and character of our players. They really pull for each other and give each game their best effort."
 
Danielle Kennedy also scored in double digits for coach Nakamura. The sophomore hit just four of her 13 shots from the floor though on a night where she had to play an expanded role due to the absence of DeMoria White.
 
Biola finishes the regular season with a 14-16 overall record and 7-9 record in GSAC competition. HIU moves to 14-11 (7-9 GSAC).
 
"We will rally and prepare to give our best effort in the conference tournament," said Nakamura. "But right now we are really excited about our men's team's run to the championship. The poise, teamwork, discipline, and toughness they play with is instructive and inspirational for us! "
 
Even with the loss Biola finishes the regular season fifth in the Golden State Athletic Conference and will play in the first round at Hope International on March 4 at 5:00 p.m. Coincidentally, that first round matchup will be against these Royals as HIU took the No. 4 seed with the win tonight.