Phoenix, AZ- A 13 game home winning streak came to an end for #17 Arizona Christian as they fell to #9 Biola 62-60 on Tuesday.  Facing the top defense in the NAIA, scoring was at a premium as Seniors Bobby Gray and Brandon Newman both scored a team high 10 points.

Following a scoreless first three minutes, the Firestorm (20-6, 8-5 GSAC) started rolling on a layup by Senior Sharif Watson.  The Eagles (25-3, 12-2 GSAC) tied the score before ACU used the next seven minutes to build out to a ten point lead at 15-5.  Gray, Newman, and Sophomore Trevor Clay all dialed in three pointers during those 15 ACU points.

That 10 point spread turned out the only double digit lead for either team on the night.  In fact after ACU held a 17-11 lead- neither team would lead by more than five in the final 27 minutes of action.

After Biola forced five first half ties and briefly held a two point advantage, Junior Chris Sterling dialed in a three pointer to give ACU a 27-24 edge at the break.

No player for either squad scored more than six points in the first 20 minutes of play.

Biola's Jeff Gonzalez dropped in a three pointer just 14 seconds into the second half for the tie to set the tone for a half that virtually saw every made shot created a tie or lead change.  In all, the game saw 11 ties and 12 lead changes.

Down three closing in on three minutes remaining, Gray delivered a twisting layup and one to tie the game for the final time at 56-56.  Gonzalez hit another three ball to give the Eagles a lead for good with 98 seconds to play.

With less than a second showing on the clock, the Firestorm had a good luck at a game tying layup.  But when it did not fall, Arizona Christian lost their first home game since losing to Westmont in overtime back in January 2015.

Looking at the bright side of the game, Head Coach Jeff Rutter stated, "I'm proud of the effort tonight.  We did a real nice job defensively and gave ourselves a chance.  I thought Biola outworked us back in December at their place but that didn't happen tonight.  Despite some foul trouble and being undersized at times, we really battled and played pretty hard.  We did a nice job on the boards as well.  Biola just made a play or two more down the stretch.

Rutter went on to say, "Despite the loss, I'm pleased that we are getting better.  We've improved quite a bit defensively and our decision making on the offensive end is getting pretty good.  Our best basketball is ahead of us."

Directly ahead of Arizona Christian is a matchup with William Jessup who sit a game ahead of ACU in the GSAC standings.  The Warriors actually play Thursday at San Diego Christian before coming to play in Fultz Memorial Gym on Saturday.  ACU and WJU will tip-off at 1:00 pm (AT)/12:00 pm (PT).  Before the game, the seven ACU Seniors playing for the final time at home will be honored with Senior Day.