Billings, MT- Making their first appearance in the NAIA Division I Women's Basketball Championships presented by Wells Fargo on Wednesday, Arizona Christian started strong but could not hold back Central Methodist as they fell 98-86.  Junior Courtney Christmas scored an ACU high 24 points.

In a game featuring the third and fourth highest scoring teams in NAIA DI, the offenses did not disappoint.

The Firestorm (20-9) came out of the gate ready to go as they built a 6-0 lead.  Sophomore Toni Davis scored the first two points and Christmas followed with the next four. 

At the five minute mark, ACU found themselves up 15-4.  On two occasions, Arizona Christian extended out to a 14 point lead before ending the quarter up 26-16.

However, the Eagles (27-7) turn the tables in the second quarter and outscored the Firestorm 29-17 to take a 45-43 lead into the locker room.  As it played out the second quarter was the difference in the contest.

At the break, Christmas topped the Firestorm with 14 points.  Junior Jada Willingham was at eight points.  ACU shot 44% from the field in the first half.

CMU kept the momentum and rolled up a 26-16 third quarter to neutralize the big first quarter from ACU.

In the final quarter, the teams played even basketball with a 20-20 effort but the Firestorm were in need a lopsided quarter to attempt the upset bid.

Both teams were on their shooting game as the Firestorm bettered the Eagles 44.3% to 43.4% from the field and 30.8% to 23.1% from three point country.  The difference in the game was the volume of shots attempted by CMU- 76-70 overall and 26-13 from behind the three point line- all aided by a 48-34 rebounding edge in favor of the Eagles.

Behind the 24 points from Christmas, Junior Jac Moody recorded her first double-double of the season with 15 points and her ACU career high 13 rebounds.  Junior Makayla Enders added 15 points.  Willingham ended with 14 points while Davis had 13 points.

Though their season comes to an end, the Firestorm should be ready to build on a great 2017-18 season going forward as they only had one senior play at the NAIA Championships.

Nice season Arizona Christian Women's Basketball!