The Eagles’ comeback victorious against California Baptist University and winless Hope International concluded basketball’s regular season, however, it may be a call to concern for Eagles as they enter into GSAC playoffs.
Biola’s opponent seemed hopeless in this Monday’s away game as they fell quickly to an eight point deficit in the first half. This would unexpectedly change when the Royals of Hope International took a 28-22 lead at half-time.
Surprisingly, the Eagles were facing a possible upset, but Biola’s offense got it going once again. Biola’s big men, senior Rocky Hampton and junior Josh Miller, combined for a total of 40 points. Miller’s 17 points and 11 rebounds gave him his second double-double on the season.
Although the Eagles were strong at the beginning of the final half, Hope continued to fight back as if they had something to prove. Senior Danny Campbell’s two free throws in the final 22 seconds of the game were enough to beat Hope by 61-57.
Hope finishes last in GSAC rankings dropping to a disappointing conference record of 0-20, while Biola finishes second best to Concordia with a record of 16-4.
Biola’s win against CBU occurred during a power outage which forced the much anticipated Homecoming game to be played with the help of a generator.
Although CBU produced an electric start, the Eagles turned off the Lancer’s switch in the second half, ending the game with a low score of 58-45. Ironically, they will be facing the Eagles in the GSAC playoffs.
CBU came ready to give it all in front of a thousand red shirt donning Biola fans. They hit two 3-pointers in the first five minutes, gaining a 10-4 lead that silenced the crowd. Despite this, Biola tacked on a small lead to end the half.
The Eagles took their four-point lead during halftime and almost tripled it in the final half. CBU shot 16 of 50 in the game and were held to only 18 points in the second half. Hampton and senior Marlon King got it together offensively for the Eagles.
Biola’s home conference record of 15-4 is the second best mark since going 16-0 in the 2004-2005 season. In fact, Hampton passed over his 1,500 point mark during the CBU game — only the fifth Biola player to do so.
Additionally, Biola dominating trio Campbell, King and Hampton were named to the All-Golden State Athletic Conference team this Tuesday as recognition to their outstanding performances this season.
“Being named to the all GSAC team is a great honor and it as attributed to my teammates and the coaching staff,” said King. “The program has allowed me to thrive, and I am honored to represent Biola basketball.”
