SCC, the defending GSAC champion, had its 14-game GSAC winning streak snapped and suffered its first conference loss since Feb. 25, 1997.

"This was a big win because we stressed that the team that wins at home and sprinkles in a few road wins will be the one hanging the GSAC banner at the end of the season," said Cougar head coach Danielle Jorgenson. "We haven't won big games without (injured sophomore Jennifer) Barbone, and we had to fight mentally tonight to win this game without her in the middle."

Azusa Pacific extended a 16-point halftime lead (43-27) to 22 with 6 unanswered points to open the second half. However, the Vanguards used the hot shooting of point guard Amee Pina, who had 17 second half points, thanks to 5 treys, to pull to within 2 (69-67) with 2:30 remaining. After Cougar Jessica Herman banged in a field goal with 2 minutes left, the Vanguards would get no closer.

"It hasn't been established who the top team is in the GSAC," said Jorgenson. "However, we become the dog with the bone because we beat the preseason favorite (SCC). For the moment teams are going to say, 'let's beat Azusa Pacific because they beat SCC.'"

Senior point guard Kelly Speas led the Cougars with 21 points because of 7-for-8 shooting from the field. Amy Lemm also chipped in with 18 points, hitting 4 treys. Forwards Danna Wilder and Jessica Herman each pulled down game-high 7 rebounds.

For the Vanguards, Pina finished with 25 points, while Kristi Wright also scored 16 points, thanks to a perfect 9-for-9 from the line.

Azusa Pacific's cause was aided by a season-best 10-for-13 behind the 3-point arc.

Azusa Pacific went on a 33-17 run over the final 13 minutes of the opening half to take a comfortable 43-27 lead into the locker room.

With the victory, Azusa Pacific improves to 11-4 overall, 1-0 in GSAC play, while So.Cal College falls to 11-6 overall, 0-1 in conference.