In a game where both teams seemed to “live and die by the three,” Azusa Pacific University made five more three-pointers than Biola on their way to a 71-64 victory in the teams’ first non-conference matchup since 1993.

Biola held just one lead the entire night, a one-point advantage 2:49 into the first half as they fell to 7-4 on the year.

The teams combined to take 51 threes, accounting for over 40 percent of all shots. It proved to be the difference in Friday night’s matchup.

Leaf, Porter lead Azusa in 52 percent three-point shooting

Azusa’s top scorers, guards Troy Leaf and B.J. Porter, continued their impressive start to the 2013 season. Leaf, a sophomore transfer, lead the Cougars with 15 points while the senior Porter had 14. The two combined to hit eight of the team’s 13 3-pointers.

Sophomore guard Kevin Stafford made Azusa’s other three long balls, scoring 9 points in just 15 minutes off the bench.

Cline plays limited minutes after getting into foul trouble

Biola was led by senior forward David Cline, who was limited to only 22 minutes due to foul trouble. Cline scored 16 points on 8-of-13 shooting.

Junior forward Zack Zaragoza had another solid outing, scoring 13 points on 5-of-11 shooting. Guards Dakota Anderson and and Cody Wittick also reached double figures with 10 points each.

The Eagles won’t step onto the court again until Dec. 17, a home matchup with Trinity Western Bible College.