Merced, Calif. – In search of a much-needed win, the Golden Eagles answered the bell with a 78-66 win over the University of California – Merced.

After the Golden Eagles jumped out to an early 11-2 lead to start the game, it was the Bobcats who answered back with a 19-8 run, to take a 21-19 at the midway point of the first half.

La Sierra regrouped, using a mini 9-0 run, to reclaim the lead, 28-21. It was a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the first half, despite the Bobcats tying the score with just under two minutes to play in the opening half.

By the halftime break, the Golden Eagles took a 36-31 lead into the locker room.

At the start of the second half it was the Bobcats who came out on fire, using a 7-2 run, tying the score at 38-38.

Over the next 12 minutes of play, the two teams went back-and-forth. With the score tied at 59-59, with 5:21 remaining to play. Over the final 5-plus minutes, La Sierra outscored Merced 19-7, with the help of three consecutive 3-point field goals by Isaiah Hawkins, taking the 78-66 decision.

Andre Marquez led the team with 24 points. Hawkins finished 5-of-10 from the field, including 4-of-6 from the 3-point line, for 15 points. Kevin Batiste added nine point and eight rebounds, while point guard CJ Goldsmith pitched in with eight assists and seven rebounds.

The team, who is looking to hang on to the fourth and final playoff spot in the conference standing have two important games coming up this weekend to finish out the regular season. On Thursday, they will play Pacific Union College followed by the regular season finale at Menlo College.