Phoenix, AZ- On Tuesday night, Arizona Christian used a solid fourth quarter to slip past San Diego Christian 65-62.  Combining their best offensive quarter with their best defensive effort in a quarter allowed the Firestorm to overcome an eight point fourth quarter deficit.  Freshman Courtney Christmas led the way with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

The Firestorm (6-5, 1-1 GSAC) started strong as they virtually held the lead the entire first quarter- allowing just two ties.  Senior Madison Austin carried ACU as she scored 9 of their 18 first quarter points.

After firing off 17 shots in the first quarter, Arizona Christian managed just nine second quarter shots on their way to just 11 points in the second 10 minute frame.  The Hawks (5-4, 0-2 GSAC) outscored the Firestorm by six in the second quarter to swing the score in their favor and take a 32-29 edge into the break.  

SDCC's Berika Egberuare scored eight of her 12 points in the second quarter to be the only player to reach double figures in first half.  Austin and Christmas both scored nine first half points for ACU.

In the third quarter, the Hawks went in front by five points on numerous occasions.  To begin the fourth quarter, San Diego Christian moved ahead by eight points- their largest advantage of the game.

However, the Firestorm dialed up the defense in the final nine and a half minutes and allowed just ten more shots in the game with only four of those shots scoring.

The Freshman connection of Christmas and Jada Willingham guided ACU to the win.  Christmas repeated her nine point performance from the first half with nine more in the second half.  Willingham scored eight of her 12 points in the final 20 minutes.

For the Hawks, Egberuare and Whitney Braeutigam concluded their evenings with 12 points apiece.

The Firestorm will stay home to play the University of Great Falls on Friday at 5:00 pm (AT).  The Hawks return home to host Simpson on Saturday at 6:30 pm (PT).