Skip To Main Content

Biola University Athletics

Scoreboard

The Official Athletic Site of the Biola University Eagles

Scoreboard

Cappo celebration after game-winner
Samantha Rainey
76
Winner Biola BIO 12-5,7-2 PacWest
75
Azusa Pacific APU 5-10,4-4 PacWest
Winner
Biola BIO
12-5,7-2 PacWest
76
Final
75
Azusa Pacific APU
5-10,4-4 PacWest
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Biola BIO 31 45 76
Azusa Pacific APU 30 45 75

Game Recap: Men's Basketball | | Ethan McGarvey, Sports Information Director

Casey Caps Off Comeback

Biola erased a 13-point deficit to shock Azusa Pacific in a 76-75 thriller, thanks to a Casey Cappo buzzer beater.

AZUSA, Calif. --- The most recent chapter of the Men's Basketball Cornerstone Cup between Biola and Azusa Pacific (5-10, 4-4 PacWest) hit a new high. The Eagles (12-5, 7-2 PacWest) climbed back in an electric matchup and did the impossible. A last second heave from Casey Cappo brought down the Cougars, as Biola claimed the road win, 76-75.

"We played hard and we showed grit to stay with it in the last few minutes," said Head Coach Dave Holmquist. "That's why you coach and that's why you play."

The comeback win did not come easy for Biola, as the team needed every second of the game's 40 minutes to nab the win.

A one-point halftime lead did not get very far for Biola, as the hosting Cougars took control in the second half of Saturday's contest. APU sank eight three-pointers on 10 attempts to build a 13-point lead with nine minutes left. 

The lead for the Cougars hung right at the double-digit edge until a Daniel Esparza three-pointer cut into the deficit at the four-minute mark.

With two minutes to go the Eagles still trailed by seven but the magical run was right around the corner. Cappo started the rally with a short jumper. The next BU possession was a quick three from Myja White, bringing the team to within one shot. 

Both teams missed their next shot opportunities, forcing the Eagles to put the Cougars on the free throw line with 4.8 seconds on the clock. APU missed the front end of the one-and-one, giving the Eagles one last chance. Casey Cappo grabbed the rebound and ran just past halfcourt and rose up for the game-winner. The three-pointer went through the hoop and the long shot gave Biola the 76-75 comeback victory.

"It's a feeling like I've never felt before," said Cappo of his game-winner. "As soon as it left my hand, I knew it felt good and when I saw it go through the net my mind went blank."

Saturday's buzzer beater only added to the history of three-pointers that took down APU, including Bryan Weakley in 2002, Blake Shannon Jr. in 2017, and Michael Bagatourian in 2020.

"Biola and Azusa Pacific have a storied history of good and close games but this was as dramatic a game as any other," commented Holmquist.

The win also marked the team's first victory over Azusa Pacific since 2021, ending a five-game drought.

Esparza played a huge role in Biola's comeback, totaling 21 points in the second half. The junior was the offense for BU coming out of the break, scoring the team's first 14 points of the second half. On the day, Esparza put up 23 points on 52.9 percent shooting from the field.

The hero of Saturday's contest, Casey Cappo, offered 12 points with nine rebounds and two blocks. His only three-point attempt came in the final moments for the win.

Biola will look to carry the momentum back home, when it takes on Point Loma on Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
 
Gallery: (1-13-2024) MBB at Azusa Pacific
Print Friendly Version
Skip Ad

Sponsors