La Mirada, Calif. - The Golden Eagles men's basketball team opened the season with a tough loss to #4 Biola University (NAIA DI) by a final of 85-53. The Golden Eagles struggled to neutralize Biola's size and score on the offensive end, which led to the lopsided result. Biola's number four preseason ranking is due in part by the fact that they are the defending Golden State Athletic Conference Champions. A team that finished last season with a record of 30-4 returns nine players from last season's roster.

The Golden Eagles found themselves in a 57-22 deficit at the half that they were unable to overcome. Biola shot just under 60% in the first half, compared to just 27% for La Sierra.

Neither team shot the ball particularly well in the second half, with the Golden Eagles holding a slight advantage by outscoring Biola 31-28 in the second half.

Biola finished the game with five different players scoring in double-figures, led by Caelan Tiongson's 17 points.

Junior guard Isaac Deese led the Golden Eagles in scoring with 24 points, and he was joined by Lance Jones who finished with 12 points.

Junior transfer Eduardo Gomez del Casal Rodriguez led La Sierra with 10 rebounds, while Deese added eight rebounds of his own.

The men's basketball team will look to rebound when they travel to San Diego Christian College this coming Wednesday. The Golden Eagles and Hawks are set to tip-off at approximately 7pm.