TULSA, OKLA. -- Azusa Pacific became the second team from the Golden State Athletic Conference to reach the semifinals of the 62nd Annual NAIA Men's Basketball National Championship Tournament with an 85-77 victory over No. 2 seed Union University (Tenn.).

With the victory, the Cougars have earned a berth in the semifinals for the second straight year.  They will join fellow GSAC member Westmont College in the NAIA"s Fab Four.  Westmont defeated Oklahoma Baptist, 67-54, in an earlier quarterfinal matchup.

The victory leaves No. 7 Azusa Pacific as the tournament's top remaining seed.  The Cougars are 29-5 overall and will meet Life University (Ga.) Saturday at 8 p.m. (CST).

"I thought our team defense picked up our offense tonight," said Cougar Head Coach Bill Odell.  "When they made a run, we picked it up on defense."

Union jumped out to a 13-3 lead, but Azusa Pacific held a 36-34 halftime advantage on the strength of its perimeter shooting.  The Cougars hit seven of 16 three-point attempts in the half.

Azusa Pacific maintained its lead in the second half by shooting 53.8 percent (14-of-26) from the field.  The Cougars finished the game hitting on 13-of-25 attempts from three-point range.

Senior guard TJ Walker led Azusa Pacific with 17 points, and was perfect on four three-point attempts.  Junior forward Kevin Daley added 15 points and six rebounds for Azusa Pacific, while Jerome Joseph and senior guard Jason Boswell each added 13 points.

"Azusa Pacific shot the ball well tonight," said Union Head Coach Ralph Turner.  "They are a well-coached team.  I'm proud of my team.  They didn't quit."

The Bulldogs had their 18-game winning streak snapped with the loss and close the year with a 35-3 record.  Senior forward Matt Hoover led Union with a game-high 19 points, while junior guard Tryrian Ridges posted 15 points, five assists and six steals.  Junior forward Gaylon Moore pulled down a tournament-best 15 rebounds, and senior forward Elvis Ochieng recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds.