AZUSA, CALIF. – Sophomore guard Caleb Gervin scored a season-high 32 points, including 17 in the second half, to lead the NAIA's No. 8-ranked Azusa Pacific to an 86-69 victory over Albertson College and win the 14^th annual Cougar Classic.
 
Gervin was named tourney MVP after putting together a single-game effort that included 7 assists, 5 rebounds and
4 steals.
 
"Caleb is one of the hardest workers on the team and has put a lot of time on his shooting," said Cougar coach Bill Odell. "It paid off tonight.  His shot selection was the difference.  In fact, his whole decision making was better." 
 
Azusa Pacific jumped out to an 18-2 lead in the first 10 minutes of the game and seemed to be in control until the Coyotes buried 4 consecutive treys to pull to within 3 at 27-24. 
 
However a Gervin-led set of Cougars answered and settled for a 39-30 halftime cushion, despite shooting just 33% (10-for-30) in the first half.
 
The Cougars quickly took control of the second half and pushed its lead to an insurmountable 17 points and cruised on in for the victory, their 11^th straight and tenth by more than 15 points.
 
"We've just scratched the surface of our ability," added Odell.  "We haven't played our best basketball yet and I don't think any of our players have played their best either. As a team we can get better and we're just starting to get better."
 
Junior forward John Bourne joined Gervin on the all-tourney team after tallying 22 points and 6 rebounds against Albertson. 
 
Sophomore guard Jeff Staniland completed the Cougar representation on the honored team with a 10-point, 4-assist effort.
 
Albertson was playing without its best player, forward Ty Shaw, who broke a finger in yesterday's first-round game of the classic, forcing the Coyotes to play tonight without his 15-points, 11- rebound per game average.
 
"With Shaw out, we knew they'd shoot more 3s," said Odell.  "We struggled in the first half but did a better job of stopping their dribble penetration which didn't allow them to kick out for the 3." 
 
Albertson was paced by Tennison Tripple's 21 points on the strength of 5 treys.
 
With the victory the Cougars improve to 11-1 overall.  Albertson falls to 7-6.
 

All-Cougar Classic

Caleb Gervin, Azusa Pacific – MVP
Jacy Armbruster, The Master's
Tennison Tripple, Albertson
John Bourne, Azusa Pacific
Billy Offill, Albertson
Jeff Staniland, Azusa Pacific
 

Cougar Classic Results

First Round
Albertson 84, Bethany 42
Azusa Pacific 72, The Master's 67

Championship Round
The Master's 67, Bethany 61
Azusa Pacific 86, Albertson 69