Men’s basketball journeyed to Azusa Pacific University on Saturday night to battle it out against their long-standing rivals for the Cornerstone Cup. The Cougars, a strong scoring team, shot 53.4% from the floor, granting them leverage over the Eagles. Biola was able to muster up a lead twice during the game but ultimately fell short at the buzzer, defeated 66-87.

Biola stepped onto Azusa’s hardwood with intensity. The Eagles were able to keep it close despite mediocre shooting. BU held a tight 30-28 lead right before APU took off late in the first half. In just three minutes, the Cougars scored 17 points to go into the half up 10 over the Eagles.

LIGHTS-OUT SHOOTING

The remaining 20 minutes of play were controlled by APU. The Eagles were able to stay consistent to their first-half play, but it wasn’t enough for the boys to climb back and contend. The Cougars were overall more productive than the Eagles, outperforming BU on points in the paint, bench points and second-chance scoring opportunities. It was APU shooting 16-34 from behind the three-point arch that boosted them to the Cornerstone Cup victory.

Leading the way was junior forward Jesse Elrod with 15 points and six rebounds and senior guard Marquise Mosley with 11 points and three rebounds. Junior guard Michael Bagatourian ended the night with nine points, five rebounds and two assists. Junior guard Chris Rossow and sophomore guard Whitten Dominguez both tallied up nine points of their own.

The Eagles (10-7 overall, 6-5 PacWest) will look for redemption at Chase Gymnasium on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 7:30 p.m. against Notre Dame De Namur University.