Embry-Riddle put together one of its most balanced and hard-fought performances of the season, but a late surge by Arizona Christian proved decisive as the Eagles fell 66–59 inside the ACU Events Center.

Embry-Riddle wasted no time lighting it up from beyond the arc. Morgan Evenson and Nicole Evenson combined for three first-quarter threes, helping the Eagles erase an early 5–0 deficit and jump ahead 8–5. ERAU hit four triples in the opening period, finishing the quarter only down 20–18. 

Katie McBride delivered a steady presence inside and on the perimeter throughout the afternoon. The senior posted 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, and 1 steal across 28 minutes.

The Eagles again leaned on perimeter shooting in the second quarter. Nicole Evenson, Makenzie Alapai, and Jordyn Smith accounted for key buckets, and ERAU held ACU to just 11 points in the frame. Embry-Riddle's bench contributed as well—Bella Barrett and Jaelah Clayton combined for 4 points and strong defensive minutes to help ERA close the half trailing only 31–30.

ERAU opened the third quarter aggressively, but ACU responded with its strongest offensive stretch of the day, outscoring the Eagles 18–14. Alapai knocked down a three and scored 5 points in the quarter, while Clayton added another triple to keep ERA within reach. Despite ACU building a 7-point lead at 5:13—the largest of the afternoon for either team—the Eagles refused to let the game slip away.

Embry-Riddle came out firing in the fourth quarter behind big efforts from McBride and Abby Dean, who combined for 8 points on efficient shooting. A layup from McBride cut the deficit to 51–48 with 7:36 left, and Dean's jumper narrowed it to 50–51 moments later.

But ACU's Emily Till—who finished with 26 points and 16 rebounds—took over late, drawing fouls and capitalizing at the free-throw line. ERAU stayed within two possessions until the final minute, but consistent trips to the foul line allowed the Firestorm to close out the game despite the Eagles' defensive pressure.

The Eagles will continue GSAC play on Thursday night in the Activity Center against The Master's.