AZUSA, CALIF. -- Tournament MVP Eric Wattree, a transfer from the University of Wyoming, made 10-of-12 shots and scored a game-high 22 points to lead Azusa Pacific to a 98-76 victory over Cal State Hayward to win the Cougar Classic championship in the Cougardome Saturday night.

Wattree, who entered the game averaging 14 points, scored 13 in the first half and was 6-of-6 shooting to lead the Cougars to a 55-41 halftime lead. Azusa Pacific made 19-of-28 (67.9%) shots the first 20 minutes. For the second straight night, Cougar reserves Greg Alley and Chris Bethel enjoyed a find game. After combining for 32 points in the Cougars' win over Holy Names  last night, Alley and Bethel combined for 28 points tonight, Alley collecting 15 and Bethel adding 13.

With the score tied 16-16 seven minutes into the game, Azusa Pacific went on a 15-4 run to take a commanding 31-20 lead with 8:24 left in the first half. The Pioneers never got any closer than its 14-point halftime deficit.

The Pioneers were led by all-tourney selection Marcus woods, who tossed in 19 points to go along with seven rebounds.

The cougars are now 44-4 at home since March 19 92. Azusa Pacific, which is ranked number 14 in the NAA, improves its season record to 8-1, while Cal State Hayward falls to 3-3..

All-Tournament Team
Eric Wattree - Azusa Pacific MVP
Greg Alley - Azusa Pacific
Chris Bethel - Azusa Pacific
Marcus Wood - Cal State Hayward
Morgan Bell-Occidental Chris Enriquez - Holy Names