Phoenix, AZ- In a matchup of the NAIA's top offensive team and top defensive team, Rocky Mountain edged Arizona Christian 64-63 in a back and forth contest on Saturday afternoon.  Junior Courtney Christmas scored 20 points.

Going into the game, Arizona Christian topped the NAIA with an 88.6 scoring average.  Rocky Mountain lead the NAIA defensively by only allowing 42 points per game.

The game started off looking like offense was going to win out as the teams combined to score on the first six shots of the afternoon.  The first three free throws were made as well.  When Christmas converted an "and one", the Firestorm (9-2) held a 10-4 lead.  As it turned out, six points was the largest lead enjoyed by both teams.

With ACU up 14-8 at 5:33 left in the first quarter, RMC used a 12-0 run to move ahead.   Rocky Mountain held a 24-18 advantage after 10 minutes. 

Senior Suzie Castro-Larsen scored on a jumper to let ACU retake the lead at 31-30.  Freshman Sierra Stephan nailed back-to-back three pointers- the second gave Arizona Christian a brief 37-35 edge.  Rocky Mountain scored five points before Sophomore Toni Davis and Christmas both scored two points for the 41-40 tally that resulted in the halftime score.

Christmas was at 16 points on 5-6 shooting and a 6-6 effort from the line at the break.

After 81 combined first half points, the teams switched to a defensive mind set as only 46 points were scored in the final 20 minutes.

The Battlin' Bears (9-1) outscored the Firestorm 12-10 in the third quarter for a one point lead headed to the fourth.

With under four minutes to play, ACU trailed by one before Christmas scored to take the lead back and start an exchange of lead changes.  Down 62-61 with 14 seconds to play, Sophomore Kelsey Miranda knocked down a pair of free throws for the score of 63-62 ACU.

However, RMC countered with a basket at the six second mark for the game winner and the 15th lead change of the game.

ACU lost the ball with a second remaining and did not get a final shot off.

Davis scored seven points in each half to reach her final tally of 14 points.  Stephan added nine points- all from three point country.

The Firestorm will now enjoy some time off as they do not play again until December 29 when they host Taylor (IN) at 5:00 pm.