A Stranglehold Leads to Win

AZUSA, Calif. – If there has been a saving grace for Azusa Pacific's offensive woes during the month of February, it's been the play of it defense, which is perhaps the best its been in a decade.

The NAIA's No. 12-ranked Cougars put a 6-minute stranglehold on Cal Baptist, using a 16-3 run early in the second half, to overcome the doldrums and knock off the Lancers, 80-66, in the opening round of the GSAC Postseason Tournament Thursday night.

With the victory, Azusa Pacific advances to the Saturday's semifinals where it will meet Westmont for the second time in 5 days for a 3 p.m. match-up in the Felix Event Center.  The Warriors downed Azusa Pacific, 79-72, this past Tuesday in Azusa.

In what is becoming a nasty habit for Azusa Pacific, the Cougars jumped out to a comfortable lead only to go stagnant late in the first half to find themselves down at the half.  The Cougars led by as much as 7 for the first 12 minutes of the game, assuming a 25-18 cushion at one point.  However, Azusa Pacific made just one field (a Jeff Staniland lay-up) in the final 9 minutes, allowing Cal Baptist to take a 34-30 into the locker room.

The Lancers hit the first bucket of the second half to push the lead to 6, but then the Cougars put the clamps on, limiting the Lancers to just 1 field goal over the next 8 minutes, while assuming a 50-41 lead with 11:44 to play.  From there Azusa Pacific held Cal Baptist at an arm's length over the final 10 minutes of play.

All-GSAC guard Caleb Gervin dropped in a game-high 19 points, including 13 in the second half to lead Azusa Pacific.  Senior center Gary Dredge, who was saddled with foul trouble in the first half when Cal Baptist made its run, returned in the second half with some extremely effective play, finishing 12 points and a game-high 8 rebounds.  Junior Jeff Staniland tossed in 15 points.

Cal Baptist was led by Will Porter's 15 points, including 9 in the first half when Cal Baptist assumed a 34-30 halftime lead.  Cal Baptist, which shot 50% (13-for-26) in the first half, was just 9-for-22 in the second half while committing 14 turnovers (CBU finished with 22 miscues).

With the victory, Azusa Pacific improves to 23-7.  Cal Baptist's season comes to an end at 19-12.

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Players Mentioned

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

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

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

Players Mentioned

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

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

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

Players Mentioned

#4 Caleb Gervin

#20 Jeff Staniland

#53 Gary Dredge

Players Mentioned

#4 Caleb Gervin

#20 Jeff Staniland

#53 Gary Dredge