AZUSA, CALIF. -- Azusa Pacific used a 31-14 run over the final 17:19 of the first half to jump out to a 35-18 halftime lead and the Cougars coasted to a 86-58 victory over Biola University in a Golden State Athletic Conference women's basketball game Saturday evening in Azusa.
The Cougars' win, coupled with Fresno Pacific's win over So. Cal College, put Azusa Pacific in a tie for first place in the GSAC with 2 games remaining.
The victory was also Azusa Pacific's 20th win of the 1998-99 season, the first 20 win season for a Lady Cougar team since 1993-94.
After Biola cut Azusa Pacific's lead to 18 (44-26) with 15:24 remaining in the game, the Cougars stretched the lead to as many as 32 (86-54) with 30 seconds remaining.
Azusa Pacific did the job with pressure defense, holding the Eagles to just 4-for-19 from behind the 3-point arc, including just 1-for-12 in the first half. The Cougars also forced 24 turnovers and out-rebounded Biola, 46-22.
The Cougars had 3 players in double figures, led by junior guard Amy Lemm with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Point guard Kelly Speas added 14 points and 6 assists, while center Alison Carr chipped in with 13 points. For Biola, Sara Poe was the lone Eagle in double figures with 12 points. Shari Andreason and Heidi Hardeman each chipped in 7 points.
On this, the last regular season home game of the year, the Cougars honored 3 seniors for their hard work and dedication to Cougar basketball. Speas, the Cougar career assists leader, and Carr, a 2-year starter, were both honored as players. Jenny Miller, a current student assistant coach, and 2-year player, was honored as well.
With the win, the Cougars improve to 20-7 overall, 9-3 in the conference, while Biola falls to 16-13 overall, 6-6 in the GSAC. Azusa Pacific is on the road for its final 2 GSAC contests, including Tuesday at Concordia.
