In a battle of the Eagles, Concordia vs. Biola, the two teams had everyone standing in the final seconds, eyes riveted on the action on the court.  It was the game of the year thus far for the Eagles, the two teams trading shots, exchanging leads down the stretch, and getting key stops when needed.  It was a true thriller, an edge-of-your-seat clash, a game that grabs everyone's attention and doesn't let go.

Just minutes into the game, few would have thought the game would end the way it did.  Biola came out on fire.  Just over one minute into the game, CUI took its first timeout after falling behind, 7-0.  Biola scored 20 points in the first five minutes and jumped out to a 15 point lead.  The Eagles closed the quarter with a run, however, cutting the lead to 10 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second, CUI played much better, but cutting into the lead was difficult.  Biola continued to play harassing full court defense and continued to shoot well from the field, but Concordia forced 12 first half turnovers, including eight in the second quarter alone.  At halftime, CUI trailed 38-29.

In the third quarter, the Eagles played their finest ball of the year.  After giving up the opening basket of the half, Concordia took over thanks to an 11-0 run which tied the score at 40.  A few dribbles later, Riley Friauf scored inside to give the Eagles their first lead of the game, 44-43.  The Eagles continued to pour it on the rest of the third quarter.  CUI outscored Biola 22-8 in the third, and heading into the fourth, CUI led 51-46.

Despite losing their lead, Biola continued to fight in the fourth quarter.  After the two teams traded the lead several times, Concordia led 59-58 with 34.7 seconds left.  The visitors responded by going up one with under 30 seconds remaining but on the ensuing Concordia possession, Michaela VanderKlugt drew a foul and knocked in one free throw to tie the score at 60.  Biola got one more shot attempt and the Eagles got one rushed shot in the final seconds but the game went to overtime tied at 60.

In the extra session, more drama lay ahead.  Trailing 68-67, Concordia was in need of some magic, with Biola possessing the ball and holding the lead.  CUI was able to force a jump ball on the initial inbounds pass, but the possession arrow pointed Biola's way.  On the ensuing inbounds pass, they were once again able to create havoc for Biola, forcing a turnover, and taking over with 10.2 seconds remaining.  The Eagles got a clean look at the basket in their final possession, but it didn't go and Biola came out on top.

Eagle Eye: VanderKlugt finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.  Kennedy Fulcher added 14 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks and Friauf chipped in with a dozen points.  Freshman Jasmine Rachal contributed 11 points while classmate Katie Timmerman sank three treys and finished with 10 off the bench.

What's Next: The Eagles take on Fresno Pacific next Saturday at 2:30 pm in Fresno.  The next home game for the CUI women's basketball team will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 19 against Seattle Pacific.