IRVINE, Calif. --- Biola Women's Basketball (4-9, 3-9) put together a dominant effort against Concordia Irvine (7-7, 4,3), winning by a final score of 84-67.
Stephanie Lee recorded her eleventh double-digit game this season with 20 points, 4 assists and 2 steals. Sophomore Madi Chang continued to have a hot hand shooting 87.5% from the field (7-8 FG) and 75% beyond the arc (3-4) for 17 points. Chang ends her sophomore campaign with four double-digit games in a row. Senior forward Jazz Benn also played a key role for BU, she fell just shy of a double-double scoring 13 points and tallying 7 assists while being perfect from the foul line (2-2).
While their overall record may not reflect a team with high spirits, the Eagles are proud of what they accomplished this season. "This win shows what we are capable of, that everyone on our team can be a threat. We can all score, dribble and shoot threes," said Aysia Johnson. "I think [our performance tonight] is something that other teams are going to be intimidated by next season."
Jazz Benn opened the scoring for BU with a jumper to even the score 2-2 (8:07), CUI was quick to respond with a layup by Savannah Felix-Amaroso to give the Eagles their final lead of the day. Stephanie Lee would put Biola ahead for good, sinking a three-pointer at the 6:36 mark.Biola extended their lead 9-4 after a layup from Aysia Johnson (5:46) and a great defensive steal from Abigail Laberge that she would take all the way to the hole for two points (5:14). While Concordia responded with three points from Edina Del Rosario (5:00), Laila Walker connected with Madi Chang for a three-pointer to add to the Eagles' lead (4:43). Following Chang's three pointer, Biola would go on to score 11 more points and limit CUI to only four points to end the first with a score of 23-9.
Biola's strong first would carry right over to the second quarter, as Danita Estorga sank two free-throws for the Eagles' first points of the quarter (8:48). Following a layup by Chang (8:20), Jazz Benn was aggressive on the boards, getting herself a rebound and going back up while drawing contact from CUI's Katie Timmerman. Benn sank both free-throws putting Biola up 28-12 (7:29). After securing a defensive board, Aysia Johnson finished a layup through contact and sank the free-throw for the three-point play (5:15). BU would finish the half with the advantage and a score of 39-23.
Chang opened the third quarter with a layup on a nice pass from Lee (9:23). Coming up big in the paint again, Johnson secured an offensive board and allowed Benn to find Lee for yet another three-pointer on the night (6:58). Biola's hot night from beyond the arc would continue, as Chang and Lee connected on a pair of triples to put the Eagles ahead 50-29 (5:29). Benn continued to play a big role for Biola forcing a turnover for CUI and finding Jordan Rabe for a layup (5:10). Coming out of a media timeout, Lee, Benn and Chang would combine for seven points, increasing their lead to 59-31 (3:23). BU would finish the third quarter 69-42 following a free throw by Abigail Laberge (:28).
Biola would finish strong in the fourth quarter, even though they were outscored by Concordia Irvine 15-25. Lee's three-pointer at the 2:26 mark was the Eagles' tenth of the night, making tonight the fifth time this season the Eagles would reach double-digits in three-pointers made in a game. Jana Thoomas-Reid would cap the scoring for the Eagles' sinking a pair of free-throws (:19).
Up Next
In their season finale, Biola Women's Basketball was able to secure the win, setting themselves up for the offseason. For Coach Nakamura and the Eagles, this was a season of growth and development for the program. "We don't see this (final game) as an end, this abbreviated season is a building point for next season," said Coach Nakamura. "Everyone, from the coaching staff to the payers, is excited about coming back next year."
Nakamura and the BU Women's Basketball team could not be more grateful for all the hard work that went into making this season possible. "President Cory, the board, Dr. Bethany Miller and our athletics department went above and beyond to make this season happen," said Nakamura. "We are so grateful!"
