Phoenix, AZ- In a game where neither team led by more than eight points, Arizona Christian came back to grind their way to a 70-69 win over #14 Westmont on Saturday afternoon.  Junior Courtney Christmas scored 22 points while Freshman Sierra Stephan added 11 points off the bench.

The Warriors (10-5, 3-1 GSAC) grabbed the early lead and held it until Christmas gave the Firestorm (13-3, 2-1 GSAC) their first lead at 11-10.  A few ties and lead changes took place before WC closed out the first quarter up 19-16.

ACU started the second quarter with a 7-0 run to move in front 23-19- the four points marking the largest lead the Firestorm enjoyed all game.  Westmont countered with an 8-0 run to move back ahead for the rest of the half- building as large as an eight point lead along the way.

By the half, the score was 38-31 Westmont.  Christmas was the top ACU performer with just seven points in the opening half.

Much like the second quarter, the Firestorm came out ready to go as they nailed their first two shots of the third quarter- a three pointer by Junior Jada Willingham followed by a three from Sophomore Toni Davis with both assisting the other.

Down seven (49-42) with 4:36 to play in third, five straight points from Stephan (a three and two free throws), a jumper from Junior Jac Moody, and a pair of free throws for Christmas gave ACU a 50-49 cushion.  After one tie at 53-53, a late layup from Christmas gave ACU the two point edge headed to the fourth.

The first four baskets of the final quarter produced two ties and two lead changes and the game was set up for an exciting last six minutes.

With 1:08 to play, Westmont held a 69-66 edge.  But a pair of free throws from Junior Makayla Enders on the next ACU possession made the game a one point affair.

Looking for the win, Davis drove the left side of the paint and managed to get the shot to fall for the one point lead.  A three pointer for the Warriors with time winding out was off the mark and the Firestorm (who are currently receiving votes) upset their second Top 15 opponent in as many games.

Christmas and Westmont's Lauren McCoy both ended with 22 points.  Enders converted 13 points followed by the 11 from Stephan.

Both teams finished with 21 made field goals and 22 made free throws.  The difference in the contest was ACU knocked down one more three pointer.

Head Coach Odell Berry commented, "Wow. WOW!  It was great team win.  Our bench came up big again today.  Tough conference this year.  Anybody's prize for the taking."

On Thursday, 17 games into the season, the Firestorm will play their first countable road game of the year when they head to San Diego Christian.  The game will be played at Grossmont College.  Game time is set for 6:00 pm PT/ 7:00 pm AT.