Azusa Pacific began strong and never relented as they cruised to an 87-38 victory against Chaminade.

With the victory Azusa Pacific, who entered the game as the 24th ranked team in the nation, improves to 12-2 overall and 6-0 in PacWest games. The last time the Cougars started conference play with six straight wins was the 2000-01 season when they finished the year with a 17-1 mark in the Golden State Athletic Conference.

"It was nice to see each group we put on the court play hard. When we put our reserves into the game we tell them that you play hard in practice and we want them to do that in the game; every group and player did that today," said head coach T.J. Hardeman.

Celebrating her birthday with her first career start, Elena Ala scored a career and team high 20 points on the strength of a 7-for-9 shooting effort. She connected on a game best four shots from behind the arc in 27 minutes of court time.

"She brings such an energy and enjoyment to the game. Elena is always smiling and she brings a positive attitude to the team," Hardeman said. "She is a good shooter and we encourage her to get her shots when she is in the game. I'm glad she had the game she did today."

A trio of players also went for double figures during the rout. Kelly Hardeman scored 15 points in only 20 minutes while Cydnie Jones (12) and Maggie Dumphy (10) rounded out the 10-plus point scorers for the home team.

It is the first time since the 2012-13 season a Cougars squad held the opposition beneath the 40-point barrier. Azusa Pacific limited the Silverswords to just a 24.6 percent (15-for-61) shooting performance while forcing them into 27 turnovers.

The game was all but decided during the first 20 minutes. Azusa Pacific jumped out to a 13-2 lead less than seven minutes into the game as Chaminade connected on just one of their first 12 field goal attempts. After the first quarter Azusa Pacific held a 20-9 advantage.

Azusa Pacific scored the first 25 points of the second quarter to capped a 32-0 run that started late in the first quarter. At the contest's halfway mark, the Cougars were in front 50-13 as they held significant advantages in points off turnovers (28-3) and points in the paint (30-6).

As the game continued the Cougars had no problems converting the win in the second half as they improved their all-time record versus the Silverwords to 4-0.

The Cougars get the next week off as they prepare for a top-25 match-up with rival, and sixth ranked, California Baptist next Saturday in Riverside.

"Anytime you can play a team were there's a little bit extra emotion involved, it is fun. Both teams are going to compete hard and give its best effort. It's an important game for regional rankings and conference standings but we have to keep perspective that we are trying to improve our performance and we still haven't hit our peak yet," Hardeman said.