The women’s basketball team looked ready to play when they stepped onto the court on Nov. 11 to take on their rivals, Azusa Pacific University. The Eagles soared above the Cougars in a fast paced competition that challenged both teams to step up their game.

“We knew this was going to be our toughest game so far” said junior guard Amanda Darouie. Darouie proved right as the Cougars pressed full-court man to man defense the entire game.

The first half was full of excitement and began with a three-point shot from Azusa’s junior forward Kelly Hardeman. Biola’s freshman guard Demoria White did not let the score stay like this for long when she immediately drained a three-pointer from the top of the arc.

The rest of the half the Cougars kept a small lead until sophomore guard Khadidja Diakite scored the tie at 12-12 off a good free throw. Biola kept up their scoring and overcame the Cougar’s tight coverage and take the first half 28-24.

After an energetic performance by the Biola Dance Crew, the second half started off and Biola surged ahead to lead by 10.

After a series of fouls and good offensive runs by the Cougars, APU came back and tied the score at 37-37.

The Cougars continued to press the Eagles and make it tough for them to score, but this also resulted in multiple fouls that gave the Eagles a chance to gain points off of free throws. They averaged 78 percent from the line and gained 18 points in the second half alone.

The Eagles beat Azusa with a 10 point lead of 56-46. Next they will play UC Merced away on Saturday Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.