Phoenix, AZ- A 30 point outburst in the third quarter turned a halftime deficit into a big lead as Arizona Christian pulled away for the 87-69 win over Northern New Mexico on Monday evening.  Senior Madison Austin scored a game and ACU WBB season high 26 points on the strength of 8-11 shooting.

The Eagles (3-12) scored first before Senior Alyssa Gruber dialed in her first of four three pointers on the game.  A basket for Freshman Jada Willingham and NNMC scoring again tied the score at 5-5.

A layup from Freshman Courtney Christmas gave ACU a lead they would enjoy the rest of the quarter.

But after shooting 50% from the field in the first quarter, the shooting of the Firestorm went cold as they managed to score on just 4-14 shot attempts (28.6%) in second quarter and found themselves down 36-33 at the break.

Austin led the Firestorm with 11 points at the half.

Down three, a pair of three point plays by Austin- a three pointer and a layup and one- gave ACU a 41-38 lead and the momentum to begin the third quarter explosion.  After scoring 33 points in the first half, the Firestorm poured in 30 points in the third quarter thanks to connecting on 11-19 shots (57.9%).  Austin led the charge with 10 points in the quarter.

Defensively in the third, ACU held NNMC to just 25% shooting while forcing eight turnovers.

In the fourth quarter, the Firestorm continued their hot shooting as they drained 66.7% of their shots (10-15).

Christmas, who had a rather quiet first half- only two points, poured in 16 points after the half break.  Austin accounted for 15 second half points.  Gruber finished up with 14 points.  Willingham concluded her evening with 10 points and a game high six assists.

On Wednesday, the Firestorm will close out the 2015 portion of their schedule as they host #3 Montana State-Northern at 5:00 pm.  The Lights and the Eagles will face-off on the floor of Fultz Gym on Tuesday at 5:00 pm.