Glendale, AZ. - The Arizona Christian University women's basketball team (8-4) extended their winning streak to three games as they stunned #21 Montana Western (7-3) 84-77 on Saturday evening at the ACU Events Center.

Thoughts from Coach:

After the game, Head Coach Rusty Rogers said, "That was a really important victory for us for a few reasons. One, we finally defeated a nationally ranked team and two, we battled adversity and won! We ended up losing two starters (one with injury and another due to illness), had two other key players in foul trouble and, finally, we came back from an 11-point deficit and kept our momentum for rest of the game. Hopefully, this will be the signature win we've been working towards to propel our team!"

Game Details:

The game started out tight as the Bulldogs took an early lead but the Firestorm didn't let them get away as they forced turnovers to keep the game close as the Bulldogs led 14-13 at the end of the first. The Bulldogs shot an incredible 67% in the second quarter as they looked to take control of the game extending their lead to 44-33 at halftime. The Firestorm came storming back as they started the second half on a 15-2 run to take a 48-46 lead. From there the teams exchanged baskets and the lead until the Firestorm closed the quarter on an 8-2 run to take a 66-60 lead. Montana Western didn't give up as they pulled back within one point but the Firestorm didn't let them get any closer as they pulled off an 84-77 upset victory led by a season high 31 points from Alyssa Alvarez. The Firestorm also did a great job taking care of the ball as they committed a season low 14 turnovers and won the turnover battle forcing the Bulldogs into 23.

Inside the Box Score:

Alyssa Alvarez: 31 points, six assists

Graciela Roybal: 14 points

Sophia Martinez: 12 points

Kaycee Brown: 11 rebounds, eight points

Next Game:

The Firestorm continue their homestand as they take on Mount Marty University on Monday, December 20 at 6:00 PM in the ACU Events Center.