Cougars Win Tip-Off Tourney

AZUSA, CALIF. -- Tournament MVP Eric Wattree scored a game-high 20 points, including 12 in the second half, to lead the NAIA's No. 14-ranked Azusa Pacific to 91-73 victory over Christian Heritage in the championship game of the Tip-Off Tournament in Azusa Saturday night.

Wattree scored the Cougars first eight points in the second half to push the Cougar lead to an insurmountable 52-40 lead just four minutes into the half. Brothers Brad and Greg Alley combined for 10 of the Cougars' next 14 points (five points each) to give the Cougars a 66-50 cushion with 9:52 left to play. Brad finished with 13 points followed by Greg's 11 to help the Cougar cause. The Cougars outscored Christian Heritage 27-8 at the free-throw line as the Hawks were whistled for 27 files as compared to the Cougars' 19.

The Cougars forced Christian Heritage into 21 turnovers and limited the Hawks to just 44.9% (31-for-69) shooting from the floor, including a 3-for-17 clip from the three-point line.

Sophomore Beau Sager led Christian Heritage with 17 points, including nine in the first half, while senior Dave Piester added 13 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

With the victory, Azusa Pacific improves its record to 2-0, while Christian Heritage falls to 1-1. In the third-place game, Pacific Christian defeated Bethany, 78-71, in overtime.

Tip-Off All-Tourney Team
Eric Wattree - Azusa Pacific MVP
Paul Perkins - Azusa Pacific
Beau Sager - Christian heritage
Justin Coyle - Christian heritage
Ricky Blackmon - Azuza Pacific
Tim Sebek - Azuza Pacific

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Players Mentioned

#25 Greg Alley: F; 6' 4"; Senior

#41 Tim Sebek: G; 6' 4"; Senior

#50 Paul Perkins: C; 6' 5"; Senior

#23 Ricky Blackmon: G; 6' 2"; Freshman

#32 Eric Wattree: F; 6' 4"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#25 Greg Alley
: 6' 4"; Senior
: F

#41 Tim Sebek
: 6' 4"; Senior
: G

#50 Paul Perkins
: 6' 5"; Senior
: C

#23 Ricky Blackmon
: 6' 2"; Freshman
: G

#32 Eric Wattree
: 6' 4"; Junior
: F