AZUSA, CALIF. -- Amy Lemm's jumper in the key fell just short with six seconds remaining and Azusa Pacific dropped its battle for first place in the GSAC to Southern California College, 68-66.
After a fast-paced start, the Vanguards reeled off 11 straight points to take a 19-10 advantage. The Cougars answered with a three by Amy Lemm and back-to-back steals by Lemm and Kelly Speas, closing the gap to 19-17. After that flurry, neither team could gain the upper hand and halftime found the score 38-34 in favor of SCC.
The Cougars (15-7, 5-3) trailed by as many as 12 in the second half before getting as close as two on four different occasions. Trailing 52-40 early in the half, the Cougars turned up the defensive pressure and slowed the game to a half-court battle.
The final opportunity came after Catherine Solorio hit a three with :51 seconds remaining. On the next possession, the Cougars forced a steal with :32 seconds to go, setting the stage for the final seconds.
The Cougars did have one more chance with three seconds remaining after Vanguards' guard Kristi Wright missed the front end of a one-and-one and the Cougars got the rebounds. However, Solorio's pass sailed into the sideline bleachers, putting the final nail in the coffin.
Alison Carr led the Cougars with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Solorio chipped in 12 points, while Lemm and Jessica Herman each added 11. Sara Herkenhoff led all scorers with 21 points for SCC.
