AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific held Point Loma Nazarene to 28 percent (19-for-68) shooting from the field overall, and used a 31-8 run over the last 10 minutes of the first half to blow out the Crusaders, 77-57, in a Golden State Athletic Conference women's basketball contest Saturday evening in Azusa. With the win, the Cougars will host the first round of the GSAC tournament, Tuesday evening, again against Point Loma, at 7:30 p.m.

"We wanted to host the game on Tuesday," said Cougar coach Danielle Jorgenson. "If we were to do that, we had to make a statement tonight. We had a great offensive night, getting good, high percentage shots and we made good decisions on both ends of the floor."

After intermission, the closest the Crusaders got was 15 points, at 47-32, but Azusa Pacific took control, building the lead back up to 20 at 58-38. The Cougars held a 20-point or more lead for the rest of the game.

Azusa Pacific, which had been struggling from the field, shot 45 percent (28-for-62) for the game. The Cougars also outrebounded Point Loma, 56-39. Three Cougars scored in double figures, led by Kelly Speas with 20 points. Amy Lemm added 16, and senior Pilar Surch added 14 points and 8 rebounds.

Point Loma and Azusa Pacific started off even in the first half, as the score was knotted at 7. Point Loma assumed a 16-11 lead with 11 minutes remaining, but the Cougars went on their run to take a commanding 42-24 lead into the locker room. Azusa Pacific was on fire, shooting 83 percent (5-for-6) from behind the 3-point arc. Azusa Pacific had their highest scoring first half of the GSAC this year.

With the win Azusa Pacific improves to 16-13 on the year, 4-8 in the GSAC, while Point Loma Nazarene falls to 11-18, 4-8 in conference play.