"You try to approach every game wanting to be better," said Cougar head coach Bill Odell. "I didn't feel we concentrated as well as we should have, but we are getting a little better."

The Cougars opened the game with a 14-4 run, and were never really pressured. Although they looked lethargic at times, the Cougars were able to use their depth to wear out the Bruins. All 13 Cougars played and scored.

Riding the play of senior all-American guard T.J. Walker and junior guard Jerome Joseph, Azusa Pacific had as much as a 24-point lead in the first half.

"Regardless of the circumstances, I was excited to see different faces," said Joseph. "We want to get on top and start playing together."

Early in the second half, the Bruins were able to cut it to a 19-point lead, but Walker took control and sealed the game with about 14 minutes remaining.

"I can't wait until we start playing 3 games a week, because every time we get into a groove, we have a week lay-off," said Walker.

From there on in, much of the playing time was divided among the reserves. Senior forward Brian Gianello pulled down a career-high 9 rebounds and freshman guard Ryan Smith scored a career-high 10 points.

The Cougars dominated the Bruins on the board, out-rebounding Bethany 63-32. Joseph added 9 rebounds and 4 steals, while Walker dished out 6 assists. Junior swingman Damian Raibon pulled down 8 more boards and junior center Justin Leslie had 8 rebounds.

The Cougars shot a decent 47.3% from the field, while forcing Bethany into a dismal 30.4%. Meanwhile the Cougars free-throw shooting continued to struggle, shooting 19-for-33 (57%).

"The free throw shooting is going to come along, we just got to get over the hump," said Walker.

Azusa Pacific will take much of next week off for finals, and will play their final home game until January next Friday night when they host Occidental at 7:30 p.m. in the Cougardome.