Women’s basketball played against Hawaii Pacific University on Jan. 14 in the first of three island games and lost 60-77. The Sharks ferociously defended their home court, took the lead early and kept it. The second quarter was much the same, leaving the Eagles floundering.

After the halftime break, the Eagles rallied in good spirits to claim their highest-scoring quarter of the night. It was not enough to overcome the Sharks, however. In the fourth quarter, the deficit was too great for the Eagles to surpass. Biola lost their first island game 60-77.

THE STATS

According to percentages, Biola did not play well. They were 50% effective with their free throws, and their 3-point shots a measly 27.6% effective rate and a 32.4% effective rate with their field goals. Hawaii Pacific was 73.3% effective with their free throws, 34.8% effective with 3-pointers and 44.6% effective with their field goals.

Biola scored a total of 11 points off turnovers, compared to Hawaii Pacific’s 13. The Eagles had 28 points in the paint and a whopping 25 bench points. The Sharks scored nine bench points and 36 points in the paint. Biola had 11 second-chance points compared to Hawaii Pacific’s seven and six fast break points compared to the Sharks’ ten. 

FLOUNDERING, NOT FLYING

Graduate guard Aysia Johnson scored the first free throw and points of the game. Shortly thereafter, Hawaii Pacific netted a 3-pointer that sent the Sharks ahead and kept them ahead the rest of the quarter. Redshirt forward Jordan Rabe made a layup that gained Biola two points three minutes in. Redshirt sophomore Laila Walker scored a layup at the two-minute mark, scoring Biola’s last points and ending the quarter 5-21.

Redshirt sophomore guard Sydney Moran netted a 3-pointer for the first points of the second quarter. After a missed 3-pointer from the Sharks, Moran netted another 3-pointer for the Eagles. Though Biola scored more points this quarter, it was not enough to overcome Hawaii Pacific’s lead. Walker shot the last 3-pointer for Biola with just over two minutes left on the clock. Despite substitutions, the Eagles still could not gain on the Sharks. The quarter ended 20-40.

After halftime bolstered their spirits, the Eagles came back with a vengeance. Walker shot the first 3-pointer of the third quarter and the rest of the Eagles kept the ball rolling. The 18 points Biola netted was unable to close the gap with Hawaii Pacific. The Sharks ended with a 14-point lead with a score of 41-55.

In the final quarter, the Sharks started off with netting a 3-pointer. Johnson responded with a layup, which the Sharks quickly matched. Try as they might, the Eagles were left floundering in rough waters as the Sharks surged ahead. Biola scored 17 points this quarter with freshman guard Jaci Bolden making the Eagles’ final free throw. Adding salt to the wound, the Sharks netted the last points of the game with a 3-pointer.

Biola lost, 60-77.

Women’s basketball (7-9) will face off against Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii on Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. Footage and stats from the game are located on the Biola Athletics website.