Cougars Finally Take a Close One

AZUSA, CALIF. -- After suffering three consecutive defeats by a combined margin of seven points, Azusa Pacific finally pulled out a close one, beating Concordia, 53-50, and a Golden State athletic conference game in Azusa, Tuesday night

Kelly Speas buried two free throws with 11 seconds left to ice Azusa Pacific's 3-point victory and snap the Cougars three-game losing streak. The Cougars came into the game on the heels of a 68-67 lost to Fresno Pacific, a 70-68 defeat to Point Loma Nazarene, and a 67-64 setback to Southern California College.

Pilar Surch led Azusa Pacific with 13 points, including eight in the second half. However, Surch missed 3-of-8 free-throw's in the final 2:13 to allow Concordia an opportunity to rally.

Though Concordia trailed the entire second half, the Eagles had a chance to tie the game at 50 with 30 seconds left, but Jamie Gast made just one of two free throws to pull Concordia to within one at 50-49.

Concordia's Heather Carll led all players of 17 points and 17 rebounds.

Speas and sophomore center Jessica Herman each collected 10 points with Herman adding seven blocked shots to tie her single-game Azusa Pacific record set earlier this year.

Azusa Pacific led 29-24 at the half after holding Concordia to just 28% (9-for-32) shooting. The Cougars used a 17-1 run over a six-minute period to assume a 23-15 lead was 7:24 left in the half. Concordia pulled to within three at 23-20 before the Cougars were able to settle on the five-point cushion.

With the win Azusa Pacific improves to 14–10 overall, 5-3 in the GSAC. Concordia falls to 18-7 overall, 5–3 in the GSAC.

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