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Howlin dribbling
Charlie Bailey
71
Vanguard M-30263 11-11,5-11 PacWest
74
Winner Biola M-30220 20-6,14-4 PacWest
Vanguard M-30263
11-11,5-11 PacWest
71
Final
74
Biola M-30220
20-6,14-4 PacWest
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Vanguard M-30263 40 31 71
Biola M-30220 43 31 74

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

Defying the Odds

It did not matter what came the way of the Eagles, as the BU squad found a way on Saturday night.

LA MIRADA --- A short-handed Biola men's basketball team battled through thick and thin on Saturday inside Chase Gymnasium for a well-earned victory. The Eagles (20-6, 14-4 PacWest) defeated Vanguard (11-11, 5-11 PacWest), 74-71, overcoming a 13-point deficit to extend their winning streak.

The winning ways continued with the ninth-straight win for Biola, marking the best run in the NCAA DII era for the program. The team delivered despite the odds, having trailed for over 30 minutes in the contest and not having one of its top-scorers in Daniel Esparza, who was out due to an injury.

BU came out flat in the weekend contest, as Vanguard scored the first seven points of the game. At the first media timeout, the Eagles found themselves down by 11 at 19-8.

Following the largest lead for the Lions at 13 points, the Eagles made a run, drawing back within one. A 14-2 rally for BU flipped the script, thanks to four field goals and four free throws, while Vanguard went 0-6 from the field. 

The final five minutes of the first half saw another crucial push from the Eagles with another 14-2 run. The BU defense stepped it up holding the visitors scoreless for over five minutes. Biola picked up its first lead of the contest, going into the break, boasting a 43-40 edge at halftime.

Both teams shot the ball well in the first half, as BU converted at a 46.7 percent clip from beyond the arc.

Vanguard battled back in the second half, regaining control, once again before the first media timeout. Another short burst halfway through the second half, put the Lions back ahead by double digits.

But the Eagles would not be deterred. An aggressive attack helped draw contact and Biola fought back at the charity stripe, sinking eight-straight free throws to move back within one point with four and a half minutes to go.

With the clock ticking under two minutes, BU still remained within two possessions but trailed by four at 71-67. A missed layup turned into an opportunity, as Garrison Sherman grabbed an offensive board and tossed it out to Davian Brown. The graduate guard knocked down the three and brought the Eagles back to within one, once again.

A big stop opened the door for the Eagles to take the lead. The first potential go-ahead shot for BU missed the mark but Biola grabbed the rebound again. Casey Cappo took advantage, sinking the go-ahead bucket with 36 seconds left.

The next trip down the court, Erik Howlin provided the defense. The senior stuffed the Vanguard shot attempt, giving BU the ball back. He went on to net two free throws, helping seal the 74-71 win.

Howlin collected 22 points to lead the team in the scoring column. He found plenty of success at the free throw line, knocking down 12 foul shots on 15 attempts. His defense was significant in the win, as he gathered three steals and three blocks.

Davian Brown also hit the 20-point mark with 21 points and five triples. Casey Cappo grabbed a double-double on Saturday, going for 10 points and 10 rebounds.

The BU squad will be back in action next Saturday, hosting Westmont on Senior Night at 7:30 pm.
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