ROCKLIN, Calif.---The Biola women's basketball team battled from behind to earn a hard-fought 66-65 win over Jessup University at Warrior Arena.

"I am so proud of our team," stated head coach Mike Simonson. "They are starting to learn how to be resilient and their toughness is starting to show."

"Kudos to Jessup," said Simonson. "They did a great job making the game difficult for our offense. We had to make some adjustments at halftime and we came out and chipped away throughout the entire second half."

Biola entered the fourth quarter trailing by one (50-49), but Jessup extended their lead to six points (55-49) within the first two minutes.

Alyssa Kubo opened Biola's fourth-quarter scoring with a layup at 7:39. After four scoreless possessions, the Eagles finally broke through with a steal by Laney Grider that she converted into a layup at 5:43. Grider scored again after a missed jumper by Jessup to tie the score at 55-55. 

In the next 40 seconds, the Warriors got sent to the free throw line twice and expanded their lead to four with four made free throws.

Grider responded with a three-point run, which consisted of a good layup and a successful and-one basket. Jessup again answered at the free throw line, knocking down two baskets that put them ahead 65–62 with 2:05 on the game clock. 

A minute and three seconds later, Biola got fouled and Kubo cashed in two free throws to bring the Eagles within one (65–64). After a defensive stop—Addison Taylor's rebound—there was a team timeout called with 12 seconds on the clock and Biola was able to set up a final play.

Simonson continued, "I am so proud of our defense to get a stop on the final possession and give us a chance to lead. Jessup rebounded well and the final rebound to give us possession was huge."

Out of the huddle, Biola put the ball in the hands of Grider who, with just four seconds left in regulation, delivered the game-winning layup (66-65).

Grider scored a career-high of 27 points on 8-for-14 shooting and a nearly perfect 10-for-11 at the free throw line. She also had five rebounds and two steals against the Warriors.

"Laney again was incredibly tough and resilient," stated Simonson. "I was not surprised to see her make the game winning basket as it is in her DNA."

Biola improved to 4-2 overall and 2-0 in the PacWest Conference while Jessup fell 2-6 and 0-2 in the PacWest.

Simonson concluded, "This was a team win and a character building win. We are ecstatic to come home with a road sweep and 2-0 in conference."