From the opening horn the Cougars went non-stop in their 91-67 victory against Western Washington.

The Vikings, who have appeared in 17 NCAA Championships, were badgered all game by the Cougars suffocating defense. Azusa Pacific forced the Vikings into 21 turnovers which the Cougars turned into a 38-6 edge in points off turnovers.

"We are going to play with tempo and be aggressive. When one side of the floor is performing well that will translate into success on the other side. Tonight, that was certainly the case," said head coach T.J. Hardeman. "We are looking to push the ball at every opportunity and force teams to play at our pace."

The Cougars were often a step, and sometimes two, ahead in all facets during the 24-point triumph. Azusa Pacific's speed and unyielding determination led Western Washington to 19 total team fouls which sent the home to the foul line 17 times – converting on 12 of those opportunities. The Vikings went to the charity stripe just four times as Azusa Pacific committed only seven fouls.

The Cougars made 34 of their 67 attempts (50.7 percent) from the field. They were even more effective from behind the arc as they connected on 11 of it 19 attempts (57.9 percent).

Kelly Hardeman led five Azusa Pacific players in double figures with a 24-point evening. The senior went 9-for-15 from the floor with a team best seven rebounds. Cydnie Jones directed the offense during her 17-point outing. She also dished out five assists and grabbed six rebounds. The trio of Joelle Tampien (14 points), Miriam Zabinsky (12) and Allison Greene (10) rounded out the double figure scorers. Tampien and Hardeman both hit four shots from behind the arc.

In the second quarter the home squad began to pull away. Holding a 21-18 lead, the Cougars ballooned their lead by outscoring Western Washington 26-17 during the second quarter. At the game's halfway point, Azusa Pacific (4-0) scored 27 points off of Western Washington's 13 turnovers. Conversely, the Vikings didn't score a point off of Azusa Pacific miscues.

The contest was all but put to bed in the third 10-minute installment. During that stretch the Cougars doubled-up the Western Washington (2-1) scoring output 24-14. Azusa Pacific 9-of-18 from the floor while the visitors converted on just six of their 17 field goal attempts.

It is the second straight season Azusa Pacific has started with four straight wins. Tomorrow against Seattle Pacific the Cougars will look to win five straight to start a season since the 1992-93 campaign.