Box Score AZUSA, Calif. – Although it wasn't quite how the game's offensive execution was drawn up pregame, yet the desired outcome was still attained.
As each team struggled to find the bottom of the hoop the Azusa Pacific's defense was a major difference maker in their 59-46 win over BYU-Hawaii on Thursday evening.
"Our whole focus was to defend. They were getting their points from the foul line and we said at halftime to keep them off the line and we will be alright," head coach T.J. Hardeman said. "I'm pleased with how we pressured them the entire game."
Azusa Pacific forced the Seasiders into a season low 26.9 percent (14-for-52) shooting effort from the floor while harassing them into a 24-turnover evening. Just over half of the Cougars points came off of BYU-Hawaii miscues as they outscored them 31-5 in points from turnovers. The solid defensive effort held Azusa Pacific (15-8, 11-5 PacWest) overcome an 18-for-60 effort (30 percent) from the floor.
Cydnie Jones had a team high four steals to lead the defensive effort.
Kelly Hardeman scored a team best 14 points while grabbing a game high nine rebounds in 33 minutes. Miriam Zabinsky chipped-in a 13-point performance.
The defensive effort by the Cougars was evident early. Just past the eight minute mark in the game the Cougars forced BYU-Hawaii (12-9, 9-6) into six turnovers and just a 22.2 (2-for-9) percent shooting mark as the home squad held a 19-7 edge.
However, Azusa Pacific went cold offensively as they finished the half by making just three of their final 14 shots while the Seasiders finished the last 12-plus minutes of the frame by outscoring Azusa Pacific by six points. The Cougars held a 29-23 edge at the break.
BYU-Hawaii got within one possession of the lead since the early stages of the contest when Celeste Claw nailed a three-pointer with 11:28 left in the contest. The Seasiders were down just three at 37-34.
However, an 18-3 Azusa Pacific run was sparked with just under eight minutes left as Hardeman blocked a Whitney Fieldsted shot down low which led to a coast-to-coast lay-in for Jones. That scoring run all but ended hopes of a Seasider comeback. During that game deciding stretch the visitors hit just one field goal in just over eight minutes.
The Cougars five-game home stand to close the season continues on Saturday against Hawaii Pacific, the PacWest's first-place team. Earlier this season Azusa Pacific handed the Shark's the first conference loss of the season.
"You know we just talk about taking it one game at a time. Hawaii Pacific is a good team and they posed a good challenge for us but if we play solid defense and take good shots we will be in a good position to win the game," Hardeman said.
