No Neighborly Cheer From Cougars

AZUSA, CALIF. – Like a good neighbor, Azusa Pacific invited Cal Poly Pomona over for some Thanksgiving festivities. The Cougars offered their guests some early gifts, made them feel comfortable and welcomed – and then hammered them, handing Cal Poly a 64-50 setback in a non-conference game Saturday night.

After making just 1 of its first 14 shots to fall behind by 10, the NAIA's No. 2-ranked Azusa Pacific closed the first half with a 27-8 blitz to turn an early 14-4 deficit into a 31-22 halftime lead. The Cougars then kept the Broncos at an arm's length the rest of the way.

All-American John Bourne, who played the majority of the second-half with 4 fouls, led the Cougar charge with a team-high 14 points. Steve McIlwain finished with 12 while Jeff Staniland tossed in 11 and Anthony Haggins added 10 off the bench.

"I don't know if it was the holiday or what, but we came out with a strong case of the blahs," Azusa Pacific coach Bill Odell said. "Our defense kept us in the game and they responded to a rather strong challenge that I gave them."

The Cougars didn't make their first field goal until 8 minutes into the game when guard McIlwain banged home a jumper. From there the Cougars went on a 12-0 run to take a 16-14 lead, capped by a McIlwain steal and subsequent Staniland lay-up at the 6:29 mark. The 12-point burst gave the Cougars the lead and they never trailed again.

Cal Poly was paced by Steve Lambert's 13 points.

Azusa Pacific held Cal Poly to just 30% shooting and forced 15 Bronco turnovers.

"I've always thought this could be a good defensive unit if we focus on it," added Odell.

The Cougars, who came into the game shooting a blistering 82% at the free throw line, made a living at the charity stripe converting 21-of-25 free throw attempts.

Azusa Pacific, which has now won 3 of the past 4 meetings with Cal Poly, led by as much as 18 points in the second half and never let the Broncos closer than 8 (48-40 with 8:40 to play).

Azusa Pacific held Cal Poly to just 50 points, the fewest ever allowed to an NCAA Division II team. Just a week ago, Azusa Pacific held Colorado School of Mines, an NCAA DII member, to 51.

Azusa Pacific improves to 5-1 on the season while Cal Poly Pomona falls to 1-1.

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Players Mentioned

#11 Steve McIlwain: G; 6' 1"; Senior

#20 Jeff Staniland: G; 6' 2"; Junior

#24 Anthony Haggins: F-G; 6' 4"; Senior

#30 John Bourne: F; 6' 4"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#11 Steve McIlwain
: 6' 1"; Senior
: G

#20 Jeff Staniland
: 6' 2"; Junior
: G

#24 Anthony Haggins
: 6' 4"; Senior
: F-G

#30 John Bourne
: 6' 4"; Senior
: F