Biola women’s basketball played Pepperdine University in their first of two exhibition games, fighting until the very end but losing a close one 50-56.

The first quarter opened to a 7-0 lead by the Eagles with four free throws and a 3-pointer from sophomore forward Jessa Thurman. Thurman would hit a second 3-pointer, which put her team up 13-5. Biola would make four of their eight 3-point attempts in the first quarter alone which gave them a seven-point lead 18-11 by the break.

The 3-point barrage for Biola carried over into the second quarter as redshirt sophomore Trasara Alexander hit her second of three 3-pointers. This gave Biola a 21-11 lead. Pepperdine then went on an 11-1 run as three different players scored and tied things up at 22-22.

There was a scoring drought for over three minutes until Pepperdine scored a layup in the paint. In the following minute and a half, freshman forward Holly Griffiths would hit back-to-back 3-pointers. This gave her team a nine-point lead. Biola would not score in that time.

Pepperdine continued to roll as junior guard Addi Melone hit a 3-pointer and gave her team a twelve-point lead. Biola chipped at the lead and brought it to six with three layups. Things would be mostly even for the remainder of the quarter and Pepperdine would lead 45-36.

In the fourth quarter, Biola would get things as close to a 3-point lead with the score being 50-53. With a minute and a half left, they would force a turnover. However, the Eagles failed to score and had to play the free throw game. Pepperdine escaped 56-50. Biola looks to play its next exhibition game against Cal State Long Beach on Nov. 8 at 6 p.m.