SANTA CLARITA, CALIF. -- Azusa Pacific, ranked No. 5 in the NAIA, hit 14 3-pointers en route to a convincing 94-77 victory over The Master's College, Tuesday night in Santa Clarita.
"Three-point shooting has been one of our strongest points," said Cougar head coach Bill Odell. "I also felt we did a much better job on the boards."
Junior guard Jerome Joseph, who started at guard for The Master's the past 2 seasons and was the Mustangs' leading scorer a year ago, made his first visit back to The Master's in a Cougar uniform and made the most of his return. Joseph scored a season-high 20 points, including 6 treys, to spoil the Mustangs rude welcome.
"I knew they would boo me," said Joseph, who also dished out 6 assists. "I just wanted to come out, play hard and win."
The Cougars led early 17-8, but the Mustangs went on a 12-0 run, paced by a pair of Joey Penberthy 3-pointers. The Cougars then caught fire, as sophomore guard Corey Smith came off the bench to hit a trio of shots from behind the arc, giving Azusa Pacific the lead. Junior center Justin Leslie was perfect in the first half, scoring 12 points (5-5 FG, 2-2 FT) and grabbing 5 rebounds. UCLA transfer Kevin Daley hit a 3-pointer as time expired in the first half to give Azusa Pacific a 52-44 lead.
The Mustangs opened the second half with a 7-1 run to cut the lead to 53-51, but Joseph, no stranger to the Mustangs' gym, hit consecutive 3-pointers to break The Master's back. Azusa Pacific held its biggest lead, 92-71, with 3 minutes to play.
Leslie, who had been struggling from the field in the Cougars' first 4 games, snapped out of his slump, scoring a career-high 24 points and pulling down 9 rebounds.
"To start the game, I wasn't thinking offense," said Leslie. "Keeping Joclin (Julmist) off the boards took off the pressure for me to score. I got some good looks and I got fired up to play."
Smith finished with 12 points, all coming off 3-pointers. Daley added a season-high 16 points and senior All-American T.J. Walker finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds.
"I had a great two years here at Master's," said Joseph, "but I think my decision to leave was a good one, and I am happy at APU."
The Cougars return from the holiday layoff next Friday (Dec. 4) when they host Western Baptist (Ore.) in opening round action of the Cougar Classic.
