Winning: Men’s basketball coach, David Holmquist cuts down the basketball net at Concordia University in celebration of the winning the GSAC Tournament Championship on March 6, 2012. The Biola Eagles beat the Concordia Eagles with a final score of 81-77. | Tyler Otte/THE CHIMES

For the first time in school history the Biola University men’s basketball team lifted the Golden State Athletic Conference Tournament Championship trophy following an 81-77 win over Concordia University on Tuesday, March 6.

Biola controls the first half

Two free throws from junior Chase Adams sealed the win for Biola.

Biola held a 35-28 lead over Concordia at the end of the first half, but Concordia quickly climbed back into the game. Less than a minute into the half Concordia trimmed Biola’s lead from seven to two and then Concordia eventually trailed by only one with 17 minutes left.

Just under 14 minutes left in the game and Biola found themselves winning by six points, but a 3-pointer from Concordia’s Cameron Gliddon cut that lead down to three. The Eagles held a narrow lead until the 5:48 mark when an Austin Simon fastbreak layup gave Concordia a one-point advantage. The two teams traded leads until Biola gained control with 3:56 left.

Free throws give Biola the victory in final minutes

Biola was able to push their lead up to as many as six and never relinquished the game. Seven free throws in the final minute sealed the victory for Biola and as the clock reached zero the NAIA No. 19 Biola Eagles found themselves with an 81-77 win over the No. 4 Concordia Eagles for the GSAC championship.

Senior Davey Hopkins led Biola with 21 points, Adams had 17 and junior Given Kalipinde added 16. Junior Kaimarr Price grabbed nine rebounds.

This win qualifies Biola for a spot in the NAIA National Tournament which begins on March 14 in Kansas City, Mo.