Phoenix, AZ- In need of winning at least two of their three final games to reach the GSAC playoffs, Arizona Christian opened Saturday's game against William Jessup with a 15-0 run and never looked back as they cruised 74-47.  The senior trio of Jazmin Mays, Alyssa Gruber, and Madison Austin all recorded one stat in double digits in the final home game of their careers.

Mays used a layup and one to get the Firestorm (13-14, 8-9 GSAC) rolling.  Austin delivered a basket and one herself before Gruber connected on a traditional three pointer.  Austin added two more points and just like that the seniors had pushed ACU out to an 11 point lead.  Freshman Courtney Christmas- who finished with a game high 21- scored the next four points for the 15-0 lead.

When the first quarter came to a close, ACU outscored WJU 17-5.  The Firestorm held the Warriors to 1-15 shooting while forcing six turnovers in the first 10 minutes.

By half time, the lead had grown to 15 at 29-14.  Neither team shot well in the first half as ACU shot 27.9% while WJU concluded the half at 16.1 %.

In the second half, the Warriors (15-13, 6-9 GSAC) crept with six before the Firestorm finished out the final 13 and half minutes with an impressive 34-13 effort.

Behind the 21 points of Christmas, Austin tacked on 17 points, Gruber added 11 points and 5 assists, and Mays pulled down 11 rebounds.  Freshman Jada Willingham dropped in 10 points.

Head Coach Odell Berry said, "Today was just about as good as a senior day gets.  The team had a great win and all three of our seniors were in double figures.  Alyssa and Madison in points and Jazmin in rebounds.  Jazmin's rebounds was no small feat for a 5'6" point guard as they came against the number five rebounding team in the country.  The team executed our defensive game plan three out of four quarters and everyone doubled their efforts on the boards to out rebound Jessup by five.  The rebounding and the second half shooting provided the margin of victory.  Our focus and execution are coming at just the right time."

Focusing on his three seniors, Coach Berry added, "It has been an exciting season for the ACU women and getting to coach Alyssa, Jazmin, and Madison has really made it special.  They love the game and they love their teammates.  That is what it takes to turn a good team into a great team.  I can't wait to see what happens next!"

Up next for the Firestorm will be another attempt to stay in the playoff hunt as they will head to Hope International on Thursday.  The Firestorm and Royals- who are currently tied for the sixth and final playoff spot- will tip-off at 6:30 pm (AT)/ 5:30 pm (PT).  The Warriors will host Westmont at 5:30 pm (PT) on Thursday.