LA MIRADA, Calif. — Biola Women's Basketball rode a poised first half from Laney Grider and Alyssa Kubo, followed by a suffocating team defensive effort in the second half, to secure a 61–54 win over Cal Poly Humboldt on Saturday afternoon at Chase Gymnasium. 

The victory pushes the Eagles to 2–1 on the season and keep Cal Poly Humboldt winless despite three close games from the Lumberjacks.

From the opening tip, Biola's veteran–newcomer duo of Kubo and Grider carried the scoring load in the first half, combining for 27 points in that first 20 minutes as Biola held a 34-30 halftime lead.

"I feel good. It was a tight game, so it was about the whole team coming together," said Grider. "We made the decision to turn up the energy and the heat. It was a good team win."

It was the Eagles' defensive intensity—especially across the third and fourth quarters—that ultimately separated the sides. Biola forced 18 Lumberjack turnovers, tallied 11 steals, and held the Lumberjacks to just 24 second-half points while expanding that narrow halftime advantage.

Biola wasted no time establishing momentum, opening the first quarter with an efficient offensive mix that included early threes and strong drives into the paint.

Grider set the tone immediately, scoring key baskets in transition and earning trips to the line (7-for-7 FT). The Eagles as a team sank 10 of 11 free throws in a foul-heavy first half.

Kubo complemented the offensive effort by drilling a three on Biola's first possession and continuing to score at all three levels, finishing the half in double-figures (13 points).

The solid first half was punctuated by a late Grider steal-and-score with nine seconds remaining before the break.

Humboldt's Kyori Lloyd kept the visitors close with a barrage of scoring (21 total, 15 in first half), but Biola's perimeter pressure and fast-break efficiency kept the Eagles in front throughout the half.

The third quarter swung on a few crucial defensive sequences. A strong start allowed Humboldt to momentarily tie the game at 34–34, but the Eagles answered with a 7–2 run sparked by Hanne Nybo and Grider in the paint.

Biola hit four three-pointers in the third quarter, using timely long-range shooting to stay in front even as Humboldt leaned heavily on Lloyd and Smith inside.

By the fourth quarter, the Eagles' defensive rotations and rebounding presence—particularly from Hanne Nybo (9 rebounds)—wore down the Lumberjacks. Biola held Humboldt to just 11 points in the final frame, closing the game with calm possessions.

"Defense is huge. We know their post player is respectable and good," said Grider. "The emphasis in our practice was to get up on the ball and give them pressure."

Neither team shot the ball at their best in this one, hovering right around 35 percent from the floor throughout. Biola had the benefit of seven made three-point shots to put a little extra buffer in place over Humboldt.

It was an incredible do-everything performance from Grider. She had efficient scoring, clutch free throws, and game-shaping defensive activity. The junior finished a team-high 16 points, a season-best eight rebounds, five assists and even forced four steals. 

Grace Moyers stepped up to provide some major 3-point shots. The newcomer went 4-from-7 from beyond the arc and was active all throughout the second half to give her team a lift.

"So proud of our team for the poise they showed," said head coach Mike Simonson. "We made some great adjustments in the 4th and our team was able to get critical stops down the stretch. I'm really proud of our balanced scoring from Alyssa Kubo, Laney Grider, and Grace Moyers, as they all hit big shots."

The home cooking pushes Biola to 2-1 this season. The team will face its first road challenge of the season as it ventures to Cal Poly Pomona (2-1) for a Tuesday evening matchup before the Thanksgiving break. It's the first of three straight road games for BU and the last non-conference battle before PacWest play begins.