AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific used a 12-0 run in the last 7 minutes of the first half to break open a close game and propel itself to a convincing 79-57 victory over Point Loma Nazarene in a Golden State Athletic Conference women's basketball game Saturday night in Azusa.
The Cougars picked up where they left off in the first half to begin the second half, with a 29-13 run in the first 11 minutes, to push their lead to as many as 29 points (62-33) with 8:45 remaining in the game.
Azusa Pacific had a balanced attack with 4 players in double figures. The Cougars were led by Jessica Herman, who scored 15 points, thanks in part to 9-for-11 from the free throw line. Catherine Solorio and Amy Lemm each added 13 points, while Alison Carr also chipped in with 11 points for Azusa Pacific. Herman also had a game-high 11 rebounds.
For Point Loma Nazarene, Ember Brown and Catharine Curtis each tallied 14 points, while Sasha Rumpel pulled down 9 boards.
The Crusaders were hurt by just 28 percent (18-for-64) shooting for the game, including 25 percent (8-for-32) in the opening frame of play.
In a foul-plagued contest, the 2 teams combined for 48 team fouls and 63 free throw attempts. The Cougars converted 22-for-31 attempts from the charity stripe, including 11-for-13 in the first half.
The first half remained close as the biggest lead with 10 minutes to go was 4 points by the Cougars (17-13). However, 5 consecutive free throws, 4 by Herman, and the fact the Cougars held the Crusaders scoreless over the final 7:15 of the opening half, opened up the lead to 33-20 at intermission.
With the win, the Cougars 17-7 overall, 7-3 in the GSAC, while Point Loma falls to 9-19 overall, 5-5 in the conference. The Cougars are next in action Tuesday night in Riverside against Cal Baptist at 5:30 p.m..
