AZUSA, CALIF. -- The NAIA's No. 3-ranked Azusa Pacific began a course toward defending its GSAC Postseason Tourney title with a convincing 104-68 first-round win over Point Loma Nazarene in Azusa, Wednesday night.

Sophomore center Bryan Lucas, making his first start of the season in place of the injured Nate Getz, led 7 Cougars in double-figure scoring with 15 points. Ty Clark added 14 points and a team-high 9 rebounds off the bench. Reserve Justin Leslie also had 14 points and 6 rebounds. Junior Matt Reed tossed in 10 points and a team-high 9 rebounds. Andy Newman added a season-high 10 assists.

"We went to Bryan early and he responded offensively," said Azusa Pacific head coach Bill Odell. "Having him in there and playing a significant role gives our offense another option through the playoffs."

Lucas, who a year ago made 2 free throws with 2 seconds left to lift Azusa Pacific to the GSAC Postseason Tourney title, continued his postseason magic this year. He scored 13 of the Cougars' first 18 points in less than 8 minutes to jettison the Cougars to a 18-9 lead. Azusa Pacific then used runs of 11-2 and 9-0 to secure its 24-point half time cushion. The Cougars canned 21-of-34 (.62%) first-half shots while limiting Point Loma to a mere 12-for-39 (31%) clip.
"It's playoff time and it's time for me to step up," said Lucas. "The guys gave me the ball where I could get it, and I just put it in. I've had good practices and the coaches are regaining their confidence in me."

Clark also credited a boosted sense of confidence, saying, ""I've been working on some things, like driving to the basket, getting better position – things that will give me confidence. And tonight I just did what I had to do."

Azusa Pacific has now 12 straight on the season and has not lost since a 93-90 setback to Westmont on Jan. 20. Additionally, the Cougars have beaten Point Loma 15 consecutive times dating back to 1992.

With the win, Azusa Pacific improves to 29-4 and advances to the GSAC Postseason Tourney semi-final where it will meet Southern California College on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Graham Activities Center at Whittier (Calif.) College. Point Loma concludes its season at 1-32.