ORANGE, Calif. – Tested but still victorious.
Azusa Pacific won their second game in as many days by holding off Wayne State (Neb.) 89-81 on Saturday evening at the NCAA Division II Tip-Off Classic.
GETTING THE WIN: Except for an early deficit right after tip-off, the Cougars held the lead throughout. Despite a late rally from the Wildcats, Wayne State never got within six points down the stretch.
Azusa Pacific's well-rounded offense played a big role in the victory. Savanna Hanson posted a double-double with a 19-point, 15-rebound effort while Gabrielle Kaiser chipped-in a 16-point evening. Rachel Bozlee and Samantha Huddleston came off the bench to score 14 and 13 points respectively.
Rebounding, especially on the offensive end, was also significant in the win. Azusa Pacific won the rebounding battle 54-41; including a 19-5 edge on the offensive boards. The Cougars enjoyed a 19-5 advantage in second chance points.
LATE RALLY: Azusa Pacific held their largest lead at 41-22 in the second quarter and held a double-figure lead until the third quarter. Wayne State got within six points (52-46) but the Cougars finished the period on 10-2 scoring spurt to take 62-50 lead into the final stanza.
The Cougars grew their lead to 14 points twice but after the pesky Wildcats pulled with six points (85-79) after a pair of Maggie Schutle free throws. Azusa Pacific stretched the lead out again but a Schulte lay-up kept Wayne State in the contest. Up by six with under a minute left, the Cougars turned the abll over, Wayne State's best chance to pull closer resulted in a missed Schulte jumper to all but seal the win.
QUOTABLE: "We are running hard offensively and defensively. Tonight it was slowed a bit by their foul shooting but we have a very diverse offense were nearly anyone can step-up on any given night," said head coach T.J. Hardeman. "I think we are hustling well but we have to work on our defense but that's the beauty of the early season. We will get better at that as we continue to get to know each other as a team."
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Azusa Pacific had 26 assists on 34 made field goals as Gina Henderson and Hanson each had six helpers
- All four of Bozlee's made field goals came from behind the arc
- The Cougars bench held a 32-13 scoring advantage
UP NEXT: The Cougars conclude the NCAA Division II tip-off Classic on Sunday morning against Young Harris (8:30 a.m.).
