Phoenix, AZ- Arizona Christian's failed three point shooting cost them in their 69-67 loss to San Diego Christian on Saturday.  Despite 32 points from Senior Shy McClelland and shooting over 50% overall from the field, ACU's 1-16 three point shooting was the difference.

The first five minutes was a back and forth action by the two teams as six lead changes and two ties took place.

McClelland set the tone early for his ACU career high scoring effort as he scored six of the first 11 ACU points including a layup that gave the Firestorm (12-3, 0-3  GSAC) an 11-9 edge.

ACU extended out to a nine point advantage- the largest of the game for them- on an "and one" from Junior Al Brown with 12 minutes to play in the first half.

But the Hawks (5-8, 1-3 GSAC) just kept chipping away from there.

A pair of three pointers by San Diego Christian in the final two minutes of the half brought them within the one point half time score of 35-34.

Half number one was a sign of things to come in the second half.  ACU shot 53.6% from the field despite shooting 1-8 from the three point arc.  Junior Matt Willkomm accounted for the lone ACU three pointer of the game.  McClelland contributed 12 points in the opening half.

SDC started the second half fired up as they nailed two three pointers and a tip-in rebound to take a seven point lead thanks to their 8-0 run.

The Hawks remained in front until 10:20 remaining when Senior Chris Sterling slammed a breakaway dunk for a 49-48 cushion.  The athleticism of McClelland and Senior Mishima Gray kept ACU ahead until another handful of three pointers gave SDC the lead back.

Down 62-60, McClelland scored twice and Senior Steven Loucks made a free throw to gain a 65-62 edge.

As the game moved under a minute, the score was tied 65-65 with the feeling that a three pointer would be the deciding factor.  After the Firestorm missed an open three point look from almost straight away, the Hawks made their three point attempt from the left wing on their next trip down the floor.  A scramble three was off the mark for ACU who could only manage a late layup.

No other Firestorm reached double figures behind McClelland's 32 points.

When the game ended, ACU made more field goals (27-25) and more free throws (12-7).  However, SDCC nailed 12 three pointers to the ACU one.  If three point shooting is removed from the shooting percentages, the Firestorm outshot the Hawks 70.2% to 44.8% from two point country.

After losing two times or less the last four years at home including just one home loss each of the last two years, ACU has now lost three games at home- all in GSAC play.  Arizona Christian will need to earn some extra road wins to right the ship in the GSAC standings.

On Thursday, the Firestorm will have their first opportunity to try for a road win as they travel to Hope International for a 7:30 pm PT/ 8:30 pm AT game.