AZUSA, Calif. – For every two steps the Cougars took to overcome their early deficit, California Baptist stayed just enough ahead.

The Lancers swept the season series with an 82-76 win against Azusa Pacific on Thursday evening.

"The difference in the game was their transition offense," head coach T.J. Hardeman said. "The shots they took were more open than the ones we took. Despite being down early I'm pleased with the way we battled back and got into the game."

Abigail Goodsell gave the Cougars a stellar effort as she poured in a career high, and Azusa Pacific season best, 34 points. The junior nailed seven shots from behind the arc and also dished out five assists in 38 minutes. Her tally tied her for the 10th most points in school history while her three-point mark tied her for the second best single game effort in Cougars lore.

A 10-0 run in the first quarter proved to be pivotal not only in the early going but also the rest of the contest. After Casey Wortley gave the Cougars a 15-10 lead, the visitors proceeded to score 10 unanswered points to take a lead they would never relinquish.

Entering the second quarter California Baptist (16-2, 7-0 PacWest ) held a 24-18 lead. Slowly they increased their advantage to 13 points (38-25) before taking a 41-30 lead into the locker room. The Lancers were deadly from behind the arc as they nailed six shots from deep to aid in their first half lead.

Azusa Pacific made a comeback during the first five-plus minutes of the third quarter. Zoe March's three-point play with just 4:26 left in the frame ended a 17-11 scoring spurt to get her team with 52-47. Later in the stanza the Cougars got within five points again but couldn't get their deficit down to a single possession.

"When we made our scoring run in the second half we made a conscience effort to get the ball inside and drive to the basket," Hardeman said. "We made their defense work hard in the second half but in the end we just got behind by too much in the early going."

California Baptist put the game away in the early minutes of the final quarter as the Lancers scored 10 of the first 12 points. Azusa Pacific (7-9, 5-3) made a late push to get with single digit. Goodsell connected on a three-point to bring the home's deficit down to 75-70 with 1:37. However, on the Lancers next opportunity they hit a shot of their own from deep to all but secure the win.

The game is the start of a three-game homestand for the Coguars. Their next game is Saturday against Academy of Art at 1 p.m.