The Biola men’s basketball team squeezed by with a 67-62 win against Point Loma Nazarene University on Saturday night, Feb. 11. Juniors Chase Adams and Given Kalipinde powered the Eagles with 19 points and three steals each, and ten turnovers combined. Junior Andre Murillo also added 11 points, shooting a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line. The Eagles are now 8-6 in the Golden State Athletic Conference and 18-8 overall.

Despite Adams’ 14 points, Eagles end first half trailing

The first half began with the Sea Lions rushing out to a 6-0 lead. The Eagles were held scoreless until Murillo sank two free throws four minutes into the game. The teams then traded baskets until they were tied at 15-15, where it remained for quite some time until freshman Kyle Bailey drained a jump shot from just within the arc to give Biola a two-point lead. The Sea Lions responded with a short scoring run and led 27-28 at the half. At that point, Adams led all players in scoring with 14 points.

Holmquist’s timeout sparks scoring in second half

The second half opened with six quick fouls on Point Loma within the first four minutes. The Sea Lions went on a scoring run and the Eagles found themselves down by nine at 35-44 with 11 minutes to play. Biola regrouped after head coach Dave Holmquist called a timeout and the Eagles went on a scoring spree of their own. Kalipinde played a huge part on both ends of the floor in getting the Eagles back in the game. He eventually tied the score at 47-47 after stealing the ball and finishing with a layup. The Sea Lions responded with a score to put them up, but Kalipinde came through again with a 3-pointer to give Biola the 52-50 advantage. The Eagles held onto the lead for the rest of the game, although Point Loma refused to give up, coming within three with one and a half seconds remaining.

The biggest statistical difference of the game was in field goal and 3-point percentage. Biola shot 51 percent from field goal range and 50 percent from behind the arc, while Point Loma shot 38 percent from field goal range and 17 percent from behind the 3-point line. However, the Sea Lions did have a big advantage on the boards with 15 offensive rebounds compared to the Eagles’ five.

Biola will return to action on Tuesday, Feb. 14, against Fresno Pacific University at 7:30 p.m.