Box Score FRESNO, Calif. – The Cougars began PacWest play on the right track by posting a 79-67 win over Fresno Pacific on Saturday afternoon.
It was an all-around effort for Azusa Pacific has a season high five different players scored at least 10 points. Kelly Hardeman led the way by recording her fourth double-double of the season with a 24-point, 10-rebound performance. The preseason all-conference selection has scored at least 20 points in six games this season.
Cydnie Jones was the squad's second leading scorer by tallying 14 points in 26 minutes of floor time. Miriam Zabinsky recorded 12 points on the strength of an 8-for-12 shooting effort from the charity stripe. Maggie Dumphy scored 11 points while Katie Powell tallied a personal season high 10 points.
Annanya Raghaven came off the bench as she dished out a career best and game high six assists.
"It was a good effort by everybody. A total team effort. It's a tough place to play and it's always nice to start conference play with a victory," head coach T.J. Hardeman said. "Whoever we put on the floor contributed. It was a complete team performance."
Azusa Pacific (5-3, 1-0) dominated play underneath the basket in helping them claim the win. The Cougars held a plus-19 rebounding edge which helped them to an 18-3 scoring advantage in second chance points. The visitors also held a 28-12 edge in points in the paint.
"We crashed the board well, especially on the offensive end," Hardeman said. "I'm really pleased with how we played in the post this evening."
The first several minutes of the game went completely in favor of the Cougars as they scored the first six points. After back-to-back field goals by the home team, Azusa Pacific grew their lead to 21-6 less than seven minutes into the contest.
Fresno Pacific (1-5, 1-1) slowly chipped away at their deficit as they drew within 25-19 with 5:14 left until the halftime horn. It was as close the home team would get the rest of the game. The Cougars concluded the first stanza on an 11-4 scoring spurt in taking a 36-23 lead into the locker room.
During the second half the Cougars kept Fresno Pacific at bay for a majority of the half. The Sunbirds pulled within eight point at 39-31 just over five minutes into the frame. However, Azusa Pacific quickly re-established their double-digit lead. The home team got within single digits at 50-41 with 10:38 but never were able to mount a serious comeback.
Azusa Pacific has won 10 straight against the Sunbirds and 21 of their last 22 meetings.
Jenay Herring recorded a career high 31 points to pace the Sunbirds efforts.
The Cougars take the next week off for finals and hit the hardwood again on Saturday, Dec. 13 against Point Loma.
