Skip To Main Content

Biola University Athletics

Scoreboard

The Official Athletic Site of the Biola University Eagles

Scoreboard

Laney introduction
53
Westminster (UT) WC-UT 0-1,0-0 RMAC
70
Winner Biola BIO 1-0,0-0 PacWest
Westminster (UT) WC-UT
0-1,0-0 RMAC
53
Final
70
Biola BIO
1-0,0-0 PacWest
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 3 4 F
Westminster (UT) WC-UT 15 9 16 13 53
Biola BIO 10 17 17 26 70

Game Recap: Women's Basketball |

Flashy Fourth Quarter

Takeaways and efficient shooting key an opening day win for Biola Women's Basketball

LA MIRADA, Calif. — On a rainy, gray November afternoon that felt like the perfect backdrop to usher in the winter sports season, Biola Women's Basketball opened the 2025-26 campaign with a statement. 

In year two under head coach Mike Simonson, the Eagles rode a dominant fourth quarter and the energy of a roster featuring 10 newcomers to secure a 70–53 victory over Westminster (UT) on Friday at Chase Gymnasium. It was Biola's first game against Westminster since 2014 and its first win over the Griffins since 2008.

Biola saved its sharpest work for the final 10 minutes, erupting for 26 fourth-quarter points — its highest-scoring period of the night — and turning a close game into a confident season-opening win. 

The Eagles forced nine fourth-quarter turnovers and converted them into transition buckets, outscoring the Griffins 12–0 in fast-break points during the final frame. That late burst highlighted a defensive theme that held steady all night as Biola produced 18 steals and 24 points off turnovers.

After a slow offensive start in the first quarter, the Eagles found their rhythm midway through the second. Biola used a stretch of four made three-pointers in the period to flip a deficit into a halftime lead, entering the break up 27–24. 

The third quarter featured back-and-forth possessions and multiple ties, but a composed response from Biola, including an 8-point surge with all points coming in the paint, which allowed the Eagles to maintain momentum heading into the decisive stretch.

Once the fourth quarter arrived, the Eagles turned the game into a showcase for their pace, defensive pressure, and depth. Biola shot 9-for-13 from the field in the final period, collecting seven assists on those nine makes and building a double-digit lead they would not relinquish.

Transfer guard Laney Grider powered the offense with 24 points on an efficient 9-for-13 shooting. She added five rebounds and two steals to complete a standout opening-night line.

Alyssa Kubo returned to her home gym and delivered an impressive 2025-26 debut. She scored 17 points with three triples and three assists. Newcomer Hanne Nybo made a strong impact across the box score with 11 points, five steals, and three rebounds.

Sophomore forward Jaycee Goldsmith protected the rim with authority, tallying six blocks and pulling down 10 rebounds to open her junior season with a double-digit glass performance. Overall, Biola was out-rebounded 47-31 in the game. However, some of the imbalance in possessions was countered by BU's stingy defense. The Eagles also benefited from Westminster shooting only 31 percent.

With the win, Biola begins the season 1–0 and now turns its attention to hosting its mini-tournament this weekend. The Eagles return to Chase Gym on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 3 p.m. to face Cal State San Bernardino as they look to stay unbeaten in the early stretch of the 2025-26 season.
Print Friendly Version
Skip Ad

Sponsors