Phoenix, AZ- A big first half by Arizona Christian allowed them to hold off San Diego Christian 67-62 on Saturday afternoon.  Sophomore Jada Willingham scored 17 points.

The Hawks (12-3, 2-2 GSAC) scored the first points of the game 21 seconds into action.  Sophomore Courtney Christmas scored on the first possession for the Firestorm (8-6, 2-1 GSAC).

After two minutes of scoreless basketball, Sophomore Makayla Enders scored the next four points of the contest and ACU was off and running.

When quarter one ended, Arizona Christian held an 18-11 edge.  After building as large as a 15 point lead, ACU found themselves up by 12 (36-24) at the half.

Senior Courtney Leach converted 4-6 shots for 10 points in the first 20 minutes.  Christmas was also at 10 points.  The Firestorm held the Hawks to 25% shooting and forced 16 turnovers through two quarters.

However, SDCC held ACU to just two points in the first five plus minutes of the third quarter and climbed right back within two points.

Freshman Kelsey Miranda took a feed from Freshman Toni Davis to push ACU back up by 10 in the final minute of the third quarter.

SDCC once again responded and were back within two points on two different occasions in the final quarter including at 62-60 with 58 seconds to play.  But the Firestorm converted 5-6 free throws down the stretch to hold off the Hawks for the final time.

Four Firestorm ended up in double digits- Willingham (17), Christmas (16), Leach (12), and Enders (10).  Everyone was chasing SDCC's Natalie Perales who concluded the game with 22 points.

The Firestorm will head to Fullerton on Thursday for 5:30 pm PT/ 6:30 pm AT game with Hope International.  The Hawks will be back in action on Wednesday against The Master's at home at 5:30 pm PT.