Santa Barbara, CA- Arizona Christian saw an opportunity to solidify a spot in the playoff race slip away on Thursday night as the Firestorm lost a late lead and fell 92-91 at Westmont.  Junior Callum Lawson topped everyone with 25 points and 8 rebounds.

A back and forth first seven minutes found the Warriors (19-4, 9-1 GSAC) ahead 14-13.  But a three pointer by Senior Sam Finley followed by five straight points from Sophomore Lawrence Combs- including a three- gave ACU a seven point cushion.

The Firestorm (14-10, 2-8 GSAC) held the lead until a tie at 31-31 with 3:51 to play in the first 20 minutes.  ACU scored eight of the next 13 points to close out the half ahead 39-36.  Junior Carter Wilson accounted for six of those points.

Finley was the top scorer for ACU with nine points at the break.

ACU held on early in the second half before building out to a 12 point edge at 80-68 with 7:55 to go. 

But like two of their previous three games, the Firestorm were unable to hold on to the lead through the final whistle.  The Warriors tied the game at 87-87 with 79 seconds left and then again at 89-89.  WC briefly went in front at 90-89 before Finley made two free throws for the 91-90 advantage with 23 seconds to play.  However, Westmont scored what proved to be the game winner 12 seconds later as Arizona Christian's last second attempt did not fall.

Half number two was all about offense as both teams converted 21 field goals and combined for 108 points in the final 20 minutes.

Lawson produced 18 of his 25 points in the second half.  Finley concluded with 20 points.  Senior Matt Willkomm scored six in both halves for 12 points.  Senior Patson Siame secured eight of his ten points and six of his eight rebounds after the break.

On Saturday, the Firestorm will attempt to knock off #2 The Master's.  Tip-off in Santa Clarita is scheduled for 5:00 pm AT/ 4:00 pm PT.