AZUSA, CALIF. -- Nate Getz' put-back with 26 seconds left lifted Azusa Pacific to an 88-86 come-from-behind victory over Southern California College in both team's Golden State Athletic Conference opener in Azusa Tuesday night.

Azusa Pacific, ranked No. 21 in this week's NAIA Top 25 poll, trailed by 7 at the half and was down by as much as 11 points (56-46).  But the Cougars fought back behind Trent Jackson's 11 second half points to catch the Vanguards at 69-68 with 8:38 left ot play.  From that point on there were 5 lead changes.

On its ensuring possession following the Getz put-back, SCC's Justin McIntee was charged with an offensive foul as he plowed into Getz on a baseline drive, giving the ball back to Azusa Pacific with 8 seconds left in the game.  Jackson was fouled by Terence Wilborn with 5 second remaining but made just 1 of the 2 free throws, giving SCC one final chance to win or force overtime.  However, Adam Dzierzynski's double-clutch 3-point attempt bounced off the front of the rim as the final buzzer sounded.

The Vanguards jumped out to a 51-44 halftime lead thanks, in part, to a fine 22-for-33 (61%) shooting form the floor.  Yet it was not as if SCC was casting from long range.  The Vanguard offense was working to perfection and producing numerous lay-ups on the right side, including several that resulted in conventional 3-point plays.  McIntee had 13 first-half points on 6-for-7 shooting and finished with 20 points.

Dameon Page led Azusa Pacific with 22 points, including 17 in the first half when he made al l6 shot he attempted.  Jackson finished with 14.  Matt Zaengle added 12 off the bench, and freshman Center Bryan Lucas chipped in with 13 points and a team-high 8 rebounds.

The victory is Azusa Pacific's tenth straight at home and was the Cougars' ninth in their past 11 games.

The 4-time defending GSAC champion Azusa Pacific grabs the early lead in the GSAC and improves its overall record to 14-5.  SCC falls to 12-5 overall.