COSTA MESA, Calif. -- NAIA defending champion Oklahoma City bounced back from last night's loss to defeat Azusa Pacific, 81-73, at the GSAC Women's Basketball Challenge held at Vanguard University.  

OCU held a slim 39-36 halftime lead over Azusa Pacific on 48% shooting from the field.  The lead changed hands sxi times in the first half, but OCU never trailed in the second half, leading by as many as 18 points.  Down 70-52 with 9 minutes left in the game, Azusa Pacific managed to spark a rally that trimmed the lead to 7 with only 30 seconds left in the game following a Catherine Solario free throw.

OCU held off the Cougars to collect its 12 win in the past 13 games.  Taiwo Rafiu led Oklahoma City with 28 points and 9 rebounds.  Jennifer Barbone led Azusa Pacific with 21 pints, while Stephanie Patten grabbed 10 rebounds.  With the loss, Azusa Pacific falls to 4-5.