Azusa Pacific used a quick start and some tenacious defense to roll past Houston Baptist, 88-72, to complete the 8-game opening day of the NAIA Men's Basketball Championship Tournament in Kansas City's famed Municipal Auditorium.

Because of the 7 preceding games (the first tipping off at 9 a.m.), including one that went into overtime, and first-day tournament ceremonies, Azusa Pacific didn't tip off until 11:12 p.m. (CST), nearly 45 minutes later than the scheduled time. However, the late start and small crowd didn't take away from the Cougars' effort and sense of urgency as it did 2 years ago when Azusa Pacific played at a similar time slot and was upset in the first round after submitting a flat effort.

"I felt the energy with this team before we took the court," said Cougar coach Bill Odell. "We changed the timing of things tonight because we didn't know when we were going to tip off. When we finally got to the arena, we emphasized getting loose in the hallways and working up a sweat before we ever took the court, and I think because of that we came out with some very good energy."

The Cougars, who oftentimes this season have struggled with their shot, were in rhythm from the opening tip, making 19 of their first 30 (.633) shots which translated into a very comfortable 47-29 lead at halftime. Meanwhile, their defense frustrated HBU at every turn, forcing the Huskies to miss 24 of their first 35 shots.

"We played very well in the first half," said Odell. "The guys wanted it, and played hard."

Azusa Pacific led by as much as 23 (65-42) midway through the second half before allowing HBU to trim the margin to 11 with a 12-0 run. The freshmen, however, led the Cougars out of the doldrums with Mike Hornbuckle snapping the scoring drought with a pair of free throws followed by a Adam Greenaway mid-court steal and subsequent breakaway lay-up to put Azusa Pacific back up 15 at 69-54 with just over 8 minutes to play. From there, Azusa Pacific cruised in for the victory.

"When we got a little lackluster in the second half I thought the subs picked us up," Odell added.

Six different Cougars scored in double figures led by Hornbuckle's 18 points. Brice Prather chipped in 14 points to go along with 7 rebounds. Larry English added 13 points and a game-high 7 assists.

"When Larry is distributing the ball like he was tonight, it's just huge for us," said Odell. "You can tell his effectiveness by how many different guys were involved in our scoring."

Josh Dillon, who at 5-foot-11 is one of the shortest players on the floor, nonetheless finished with 11 points and a team-high 8 rebounds. Spencer Foster, who has been in a mini-slump of late, bounced back with 12 points off the bench, including 9 key points in a 3-minute stretch of the first half that allowed the Cougars to move out to an 8-point lead.

Greenaway finished with 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting to go along with 2 steals in just 15 minutes of play.

"I've been in many 'one-and-done' games before," said Hornbuckle, who a year ago this time was being named all-state for his play at Oaks Christian High School. "I understand this atmosphere, and it doesn't bother me. It was good to hit the first shot just to help us get out to a quick lead because at this level it's hard to take leads away, as Houston Baptist now knows."

The game finished at 12:52 a.m. local time Thursday morning, and fortunately for the Cougars they have a day off from play. Azusa Pacific advances into the "Sweet 16" for the fourth time in the past 5 years and the seventh time in the past 9 years. The Cougars, who are now 26-9 on the campaign, will take Sooner Athletic Conference champion Oklahoma Christian Friday at 6:15 p.m. (CST). The Eagles (27-6) downed Brescia College (Ky.), 80-76 in overtime, in their first-round contest.