El Cajon, CA- Sophomore Makayla Enders topped or was tied for the ACU team leads in the three main stat categories with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists as Arizona Christian knocked off San Diego Christian 70-60 on Thursday evening at Grossmont College.  As a team, ACU shot 54.4% from the field.

Enders made a statement about the type of game she was prepared to play as she knocked down a jumper for the first two points of the contest.  The Hawks (13-7, 3-6 GSAC) tied the game with a pair of free throws.  Sophomore Courtney Christmas scored the next trip down the floor and the Firestorm (11-8, 5-3 GSAC) moved ahead for the rest of the first quarter building as large as an eight point lead.

In the second quarter, ACU maintained their edge- though it was as low as two points- and held a 27-19 advantage with 4:26 left before the half.  But then suddenly Arizona Christian could not buy a basket as San Diego Christian outscored them 13-0 to close out the half up 32-27.

With nine points to her credit, Enders topped all scorers at the break.

On the first defensive effort of the second half, Enders recorded a block and on then connected on a jumper on the other end.

Christmas tied the score at 39-39 with 4:50 left in the third quarter.  SDCC hit a free throw to move back in front.  However, Enders converted an offensive rebound into two points and slid ACU into the higher point position.  The next trip down the floor saw Freshman Kelsey Miranda nail one of her 3 three pointers to increase the ACU lead they enjoyed until the final whistle.

ACU hit an impressive 19-30 shots (63.3%) in the second half.

Sophomore Jada Willingham scored 13 of her 15 points in the final 20 minutes of play.  Freshman Toni Davis enjoyed a 6-9 shooting night to account for her 12 point total.

For SDCC, Sheyleen Toehe delivered a game high 20 points.

When asked how ACU was able to stop a few big runs by SDCC and finish strong, Head Coach Odell Berry commented, "We knew we needed to do a better job of closing out on their perimeter shooters.  When we did that we slowed their attack.  We had two freshmen step up in a big way.  Davis was aggressive and exciting as always and Miranda was money behind the arch."

Coach Berry added, "In the end, our older players came through in the clutch at both ends of the court to put the game away."

On Saturday, the Firestorm will head to La Mirada for a matchup with #21 Biola.  Tip-off is set for 2:00 pm PT/ 3:00 pm AT.  The Hawks will be in action as well on Saturday as they host Vanguard at 5:30 pm PT.