AZUSA, Calif. –- The NAIA’s No. 12-ranked Azusa Pacific used its speed and relentless defense to run away from arch-rival Biola for an easy 88-76 Golden State Athletic Conference victory Tuesday evening in the Felix Event Center.
All-American candidate Monica Somers led the Cougar attack with 24 points, including 16 in the second half when the Cougars built a monumental 36-point lead at 80-44 with 8 minutes left in the game. Only Rachel Dulin’s long-range bombing kept the score respectable. The senior guard drained a Biola single-game record 9 3-point field goals, including 4 in the final 5 minutes to claim the new standard, and finished with a game-high 27 points.
Azusa Pacific shot a fine 55-percent (34-for-62) from the floor and forced the Eagles into 26 turnovers of which the Cougars translated into 29 points.
“We played with a lot of enthusiasm and desire tonight,” said Cougar coach Danelle Bishop. “There were moments where we played very well. It’s a nice way to head into the playoffs.”
Forward Alyssa Ferdaszewski and center Meliame Halaufia combined for 30 points and 16 rebounds in the seniors’ final regular-season game in the Felix Event Center. Halaufia registered 14 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, while Ferdaszewski added 16 points.
Azusa Pacific used a 13-2 run to take control of the game at 24-13 midway through the first half. The Cougars took advantage of a sloppy Biola attack, forcing 5 turnovers in a 4-minute stretch that led to several easy baskets. The Cougars made 6-of-7 shots in the run. In all, the Cougars scored 16 points off 15 Biola turnovers in the first half and led by as much at 15 at 43-28 following a Halaufia lay-up with just under 3 minutes to play. Azusa Pacific, which made 20-of-30 shots in the opening frame, eventually settled for a 45-33 halftime advantage.
With the victory, Azusa Pacific finishes the regular season at 23-6 overall, 15-5 in the GSAC. Biola’ season closes at 10-19 overall, 6-14 in the GSAC. The Cougars now advance to the GSAC Postseason Tournament where they will host Fresno Pacific in a first-round game, Wednesday (Feb. 28) at 7:30 p.m.
