Atherton, CA- On Saturday afternoon, Arizona Christian led for all but about 25 seconds in their game with Menlo as they won 87-72.  The win served as the final tune-up for the Firestorm before heading into the GSAC playoffs next week.  Sophomore Jada Willingham torched the nets for 26 points.

The Firestorm (14-13, 8-8 GSAC) scored the first seven points of the afternoon matinee and stayed in front the rest of the first quarter.  Despite building a lead of nine points on three occasions, ACU saw their lead sitting at just three points (21-18) after one quarter.

The Oaks (10-19, 3-13 GSAC) bridged a 12-2 four minute run from the first quarter into the second as they grabbed a 22-21 edge.

But 24 seconds later, Sophomore Makayla Enders laid home two points to push ACU in front 23-22.  The lead would not change hands again the remainder of the contest.

Eleven points was the biggest advantage Arizona Christian enjoyed as they concluded the half with a 39-31 edge.

Willingham was already the game's leading scorer with 12 points at the break.  Sophomore Courtney Christmas stood at 11 points after 20 minutes of action.

Thanks to shooting 61.8% from the field in the second half, ACU went on to build as large as 20 point lead.

By the final whistle, Willingham had been on fire with 9-13 shooting as all four missed shots came from behind the three point arc.  She was also a perfect 5-5 at the free throw line.

Helping the cause was Freshman Toni Davis with 16 points (nine of which came in the second half).  Christmas concluded with 14 points.  Enders and Freshman Kadeidra Hamilton added 12 points- ironically the first 12 points Hamilton has scored all season.

Head Coach Odell Berry offered these thoughts- "Balanced scoring and 40 minutes of intensity.  Good team win in a tough place to play.  Heading in to the tournament with a win is big! They all played well and played together- a great team win!"

Earlier in the week the Firestorm had already locked up the fifth seed in the GSAC Tournament.  On Thursday, the women draw the challenge of facing The Master's (who will host the first two rounds of the women's tournament) on their home court.  The teams split the season series with both teams winning at home.  ACU and TMU will tip off at 7:30 PT/ 8:30 AT.