Phoenix, AZ- Arizona Christian made their biggest statement of improvement this season as they used overtime to beat #16 The Master's on Saturday afternoon 78-68.  Five Firestorm scored in double figures topped by 21 points from Senior Courtney Leach.

Head Coach Odell Berry commented, "The game offered everything a basketball fan could want in a game.  Very competitive play on both sides in a game that took an overtime to decide the winner.  There were great plays on the offensive and the defensive ends of the court, big stops at critical times, and clutch shooting when we needed it."

The Mustangs (6-3, 0-2 GSAC) scored the first six points of the game and eventually built out to a seven point lead- their largest of the game.

But the Firestorm (6-4, 1-0 GSAC) countered and briefly moved ahead before the quarter ended.

In the second quarter, Leach nailed a three pointer to tie the score with 3:41 to play in the half.  Down two, Freshman Toni Davis converted a free throw, produced a steal, and then scored on a fast break to move ACU ahead.  They remained ahead until the fourth quarter.

At the break, only two players were in double figures- Leach with 12 points for ACU and Megan Lindsley (13 points) for TMU.

Fast forward to the fourth quarter, Arizona Christian held a seven point advantage going into the quarter.  However, The Master's turned up the defensive pressure by going to a half-court trap.  With just 13 seconds remaining in the regulation TMU hit a three pointer from the right corner to gain a 65-63 lead.

Sophomore Jada Willingham blew by everyone to tie the score at 65-65 while being fouled.  Willingham missed the free throw and the teams headed to overtime.

In the extra session, ACU converted three of five shot attempts including two of three from behind the three point arc while hitting 5-6 from the free line to pull away for the win.  TMU managed just a single basket and free throw.

Behind the 21 of Leach, Sophomore Courtney Christmas finished with 17 points.  Davis concluded with 11 points with Willingham and Sophomore Makayla Enders both going for 10 points.

Lindsley accounted for 21 points for the Mustangs.

Coach Berry added, "I thought today was a great team win for the Firestorm ladies.  We played very good defense, rebounded the ball well and fought a pretty good battle on offense against a very tough Masters team.  We shot the ball well from the field and the free throw line.  We did a great job on the boards and took pretty good care of the ball.  Our quickness and athleticism showed up big on the defensive end of the court.  Our starters were focused and executed our game plan, the players that played in a supporting role were exactly what we needed and at just the right time."

Concluding his thoughts, Coach Berry stated, "I can't say enough about our win today.  It was another proud moment in the continued growth of this year's Firestorm team.  I always tell the girls, you are not a great team until you beat a great team.  Today they beat a great team!   Congratulations on your great win today ladies!"

The Firestorm will now have time to heal and rest up as they will not play again until December 29 when they host Concordia (IL) at 7:00 pm.  The Mustangs are also off until December 29 when they play British Columbia at Westmont.