Santa Barbara, CA- Facing the number one team can be a daunting task and Thursday was no exception for Arizona Christian as they fell 60-51.  Freshman Courtney Christmas recorded her third double-double of the season with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Senior Madison Austin scored the first seven ACU points of the evening.  She accounted for the two Arizona Christian leads thanks to the first basket of the game, a three pointer that gave the Firestorm (9-8, 1-3 GSAC) back the lead, and then a pair of free throws.  She ultimately finished with a team high 17 points.

Unfortunately by the time Christmas found her scoring stride Arizona Christian was behind 14-9 with three minutes to play in the first quarter and would not see even a tie again.

Both Austin and Christmas scored nine points in the first 20 minutes of action as the Firestorm found themselves down 35-24 at the break.

Out of the break, the Firestorm spread the wealth around as they cut their deficit to just three at 38-35 with five minutes left in the third quarter.  Freshman Makayla Enders opened the second half scoring.  Christmas drained a three before Senior Alyssa Gruber drove in for two.  Austin dropped in two points and Christmas ended the 11-3 run to begin the half with two more.

With a minute to play in the third quarter, Freshman Lindsey Payton brought ACU back within four.  But that was as close as they would get the rest of the way.

The Warriors (15-1, 4-0 GSAC) are second in the NAIA allowing just 51.1 points a game and held the Firestorm to exactly that number.

On Saturday, the Firestorm will meet up with #16 The Master's in Santa Clarita.  Game time is set for 2:00 pm (AT)/ 1:00 pm (PT).