AZUSA, CALIF. -- The NAIA's No. 19-ranked Azusa Pacific used an 11-2 run midway through the first half to open an 11-point cushion and then cruised in for a 78-54 GSAC win over Cal Baptist, Tuesday night.

Senior Jessica Herman tallied a career-high 19 points on 6-for-7 shooting to pace the Cougars, who have now won a season-high 7 straight.

"The 19 points don't mean anything to me," said Herman. "What matters is that we are 1 win away from another conference championship. A team goes though highs and lows during a season, and right now we're at a high."

Freshman Allison Box added 14 points, while Jennifer Barbone tossed in 12 off the bench. All-GSAC guard Amy Lemm put together a complete game, finishing with 12 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in 26 minutes of work. The Cougars controlled the boards throughout the game, out-rebounding the Lancers, 52-31.

Azusa Pacific scored the first 6 and the last 4 points of the opening half, while putting together 2 additional 6-0 runs and a 7-0 run to take a 46-27 lead into halftime. Box led all scorers at the half with 11 points, and Herman and Barbone each added 8 in the opening half.

Azusa Pacific has now won 17 of the past 20 meeting with Cal Baptist, including 9 straight in Azusa.

With the win, Azusa Pacific improves to 23-5 overall, 14-3 in the GSAC. Cal Baptist falls to 12-19 on the season and 5-12 in GSAC play. The Cougars close out the regular season Saturday at Christian Heritage. A win over the Hawks gives the Azusa Pacific its second straight GSAC championship.