LA MIRADA--- The Biola University Women's Basketball team executed a gritty 71-58 win against Point Loma on Wednesday night at Chase Gymnasium.

Through the highs and lows, the Eagles (3-6, 3-0) toughed it out and came together in a great team win against the Sea Lions (4-6, 2-1).

"I feel good about today's game," stated Laila Walker. "We weathered runs and I was never in doubt that we were gonna pull out the win." 

Biola fought for the first-quarter lead where the score was tied up twice. PLNU got ahead with the first three-point basket that was matched by Walker (3-3). Biola worked ahead with a modest lead that was eventually tied up by Point Loma, 11-11. Walker once again responded with the go-ahead three and Aysia Johnson gave the Eagles some cushion with a good free throw (15-11).

BU found an early second-quarter rhythm that put them at an 11-point advantage (25-14). Walker and Jordan Rabe teamed up to create the 11-point gap. Walker sank in two downtown baskets and Rabe supplied two layups.

Point Loma slowly chipped away until the Eagles were only two points ahead heading into halftime (30-28).

Biola found more momentum after the break where they outscored PLNU 22-12. Walker led the offensive effort with eight points followed by Rabe and Johnson with five and Sydney Moran with three. Biola led by as much as 12 points at the end of the third with a score of 52-40.

Point Loma put up a fight in the fourth quarter, but Biola once again showcased their grit. The score got as close as 53-49, but Biola remained on top and eventually distanced themselves by as much as 13 points which was their largest lead of the night and the final score in their 71-58 victory at home.

Laila concluded, "At the end of the day we stuck together, played hard, and did what we came to do. We also did a good job finding the hot hand and cleaning up turnovers. I'm really proud of us and think this will give us some good momentum going into another big game on Saturday."

Walker definitely had hot hands tonight as she put down a career-high of 24 points against the Sea Lions. Walker saw success tonight beyond the arc where she shot a successful 6-for-10. 

Rabe was another one of BU's standouts who recorded her first double-double of the season with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Rabe also collected three steals in an overall excellent defensive performance. 

Biola continues their home front, playing next on Saturday, December 10 at 5:30 p.m. against Concordia at Chase Gymnasium.