HONOLULU, Hawaii --- A slow start in the first quarter on Thursday evening did not stop Biola (7-4, 3-2 PacWest), as they didn't stop fighting until the very last second. The team played effective offense and defense to beat Hawaii Pacific (4-7, 3-1 PacWest) by a 72-65 final margin. 

HPU opened up the scoring with 12 unanswered points to start for the first four minutes of the contest, forcing the Eagles to have to play from behind. BU didn't allow this to stop them. Coming in hot off the bench, Autumn Hopson did her part and put her team on the board, sinking a three-pointer to stop the bleeding. Biola chipped away throughout the quarter, trimming the deficit to seven by the end of the first. 

 "After being down 12-0 we turned things around, we executed and attacked our game plan and played the game we know how to play," commented Stephanie Lee. 

Not only talk about a win, but talk about not backing down. That is what the Eagles proved tonight  and what led Biola to victory. Apart from the great teamwork, BU's greatness in the paint was key to them hitting the jackpot. Once they were inside the paint you knew there was going to be great success putting 24 of their points out of the 72. 

The Eagles turned up the heat in the second quarter putting in work on offense. Biola shot 44 percent (8-for-18), while making three of their seven three-point attempts in the period, improving on their first quarter shooting. The Eagles finished the quarter with a steal by Laila Walker and last-second three from Lee. Both teams scored 24 points in the second and Biola still trailed at the half by seven (38-45). 

Defense reigned supreme in the third quarter, as Biola outscored the Sharks 13-7. BU held HPU to 3-17 shooting from the floor and 1-8 from the three-point line.

The star guard, Lee, came in clutch with a three to help BU take the lead 54-52 two minutes into the fourth quarter. The Eagles maintained the momentum with a 10-2 run to put them ahead by seven with the final minutes ticking away. BU maxed its lead at 11 points, before cruising in for a well-deserved 72-65 win. 

"Coach Nakamura instilled a quiet confidence in our ladies at the half and they came out and executed," mentioned assistant coach Gamal Smalley.   

Lee would end this game with 21 points to lead all scorers. The redshirt sophomore hit a total of four threes on eight attempts. Lee added eight rebounds to pace the Eagles, while setting a season-high in the category.

"It feels really good to come out with a win, especially after a tough loss to Dominican," said the redshirt sophomore. 

The Eagles will look to carry on their stellar play in Hawaii, as they play against Chaminade at McCabe Gymnasium on December 8 at 3:00 pm PST.. For live stats links and updates check athletics.biola.edu.