The Answer is Odell's 300th Win

AZUSA, Calif. – How would Azusa Pacific answer Tuesday's verdict vs. Biola?  How about with a resounding thumping of GSAC contender Concordia, 75-54, Saturday night in the Felix Event Center.

With the win, Azusa Pacific head coach Bill Odell collects career collegiate win No. 300 in just his 375^th game, the quickest pace to 300 ever by a GSAC coach.

Playing without its leading scorer Steve McIlwain, who suffered a concussion in the Biola game, Azusa Pacific, which had every reason to be flat, nonetheless looked sharp from the opening tip while rolling to the 21-point win.  The Cougars jumped out to an 11-2 lead in holding the Eagles without a basket the first 5 minutes of the game.

From there, the Cougars poured it on, using a 13-1 run midway through the first half to move out to a 32-10 lead while applying a stifling defense that held Concordia to just 22% (6-for-27) shooting.  The Cougars took advantage of not just of the poor Eagle shooting but also 12 Concordia turnovers to fashion a 38-17 halftime lead.

"I was nervous coming in," said Odell in reference to bouncing back from the 1-point loss to Biola.  "We talked about dealing with emotions and then came with a great defensive effort.  We took Concordia out of what it wanted to do offensively."

All 9 Cougars that played scored, led by Caleb Gervin's team-high 15 points to go along with 6 steals and 3 assists.  Jeff Staniland added 13 points and a trio of assists as well.  Gary Dredge put in a balanced effort with 11 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

Azusa Pacific pushed its lead to as much as 30 points in the second half (61-31).  Concordia got no closer than 19 down the stretch.

All-American John Bourne finished with 12 points, including 10 in the first half, while Brett Michel finished with 11.  He canned a pair of treys early in the game to run his streak to 6 straight 3-point field goals made.

"John really got us off to a great start tonight," added Odell, "and Brett, playing the way he is, is really giving us a lift right now."

Alton Smith's game-high 19 points paced Concordia.  The Eagles finished with 35% (19-for-54) shooting and 15 turnovers (only 3 in the second half.)

With the win, Azusa Pacific improves to 21-5 overall, 13-4 in the GSAC, and has now won 13 straight over the Eagles.  Concordia falls to 19-10 overall, 11-6 in the GSAC.

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Players Mentioned

#4 Caleb Gervin: G; 6' 1"; Junior

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

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

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

#32 Brett Michel: F; 6' 7"; Sophomore

#53 Gary Dredge: C; 6' 9"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#4 Caleb Gervin
: 6' 1"; Junior
: G

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

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

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

#32 Brett Michel
: 6' 7"; Sophomore
: F

#53 Gary Dredge
: 6' 9"; Senior
: C