Phoenix, AZ- In a matchup of NAIA Top 25 schools, #24 Arizona Christian used great shooting (51.3% from the field) and an impressive defensive effort (18 steals) to ease past #15 Menlo 101-73 on Saturday afternoon.  Junior Courtney Christmas scored a game high 33 and just missed a triple-double.

The Oaks (17-4, 5-2 GSAC), who started the night with the best the overall winning percentage in the GSAC, drained a three pointer just seven seconds into the contest.  Christmas hit a pair of shots before the game was a minute old to give ACU an early 4-3 lead.  Menlo answered right back by moving in front and after a tie were leading 9-7 in a game featuring two NAIA top five scoring teams.

But the Firestorm (16-4, 5-2 GSAC) used three pointers from Junior Jada Willingham and Christmas to spark a 9-0 run that gave them the lead for good.

At the quarter break, ACU held a 26-13 edge.  However, they were just getting started as they notched a 33 point second quarter to head to the locker room up 59-33.

Half number one saw the Firestorm convert 24-40 shots (60%) from the field.  Their defense held the Oaks to 13-33 shooting (39.4%) in the first half and ACU replicated the exact defensive feat in the second half.

Christmas had already poured in 21 points in the first 20 minutes of action.  Willingham was not far behind with 19 first half points.

When the final whistle sounded, Christmas produced a line of 33 points, 10 rebounds, 8 steals, 5 assists, and 4 blocks- her fourth double-double of the year.  She shot 57.1% for the game.  Behind Willingham's 21, Junior Makayla Enders added 20 points and Sophomore Toni Davis had 17 points.

Menlo's Madison Michelis went for 21 points and 10 rebounds.

Head Coach Odell Berry stated, "Today's game was all about defense.  We did score 101 points and shot a good percentage but everything starts for us at the defensive end of the court.  Menlo is very good and the point margin does not tell what a good team they really are.  They are an NAIA top 10 team and one of the best in the GSAC.  Our big first half offensive output carried us to the win since we only won the second half by two points."

Coach Berry added, "It was a great win for our program but now we have to focus on SDCC coming to town."

Playing their lone Wednesday game of the season, the Firestorm will begin the second half of GSAC action by hosting San Diego Christian at 5:30 pm.