Despite scoring no more than 84 points per game since their 106-point victory over the University of La Verne on Nov. 1, the men’s basketball team narrowly edged their way to an undefeated record. Beating Bethesda University and the University of Antelope Valley Pioneers by 17 points or less, the Eagles start the season 4-0.

Fifth all-time

Needless to say, the Bethesda Flames entered the game on Nov. 2 as a far-from-easy opponent and threatened to snap the Eagles’ winning streak. Early in the game, the Flames built a short-lived, five-point lead over the Eagles. However, with 12 points in the last five minutes of the first half, the Eagles gained a 36-29 lead by halftime. From there, Biola’s lead never dipped lower than nine and topped out at 21 before winning the game 79-62.

What became the Eagles’ third consecutive win marked Dave Holmquist’s 924th win as the Eagles’ head coach. This victory places him fifth on the all-time list of winningest men’s college coaches at four-year institutions in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletes and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

The Eagles’ match on Nov. 8 against the Pioneers turned out to be even closer than their victory against Bethesda. At one moment, the Pioneers held a five-point lead over the Eagles in the first half, but Biola took a 40-36 lead by halftime.

Front court dominates

The Eagles started the second half by taking a five-point lead over the Pioneers. Although they watched their 14-point lead dwindle to six during the final five minutes of the game, the Eagles withstood Antelope Valley and won 84-78. 

Sophomore forward Alex Talma, who currently sits third in total points this season with 51, posted the Eagles’ first double-double of the season with 11 points and 11 rebounds. The combined efforts of senior guard Caelan Tiongson and sophomore guard Trevor Treinen scored over half of the Eagles’ total points. Tiongson ended the game with 23 points while Treinen scored 21.

The Eagles continue their four-game road trip with a neutral game against the California State University San Marcos Cougars on Friday, Nov. 11 at 1 p.m.