AZUSA, Calif.  – It may not be how the coach's drew it up but the Cougars got what they wanted.

Despite losing a double figure lead, Azusa Pacific responded late to hold off California Baptist 76-71 on Thursday evening.

The win lifts the 19th ranked Cougars to 20-3 overall and 11-2 in PacWest contests. It is the second time in the last three seasons Azusa Pacific has reach the 20-victory milestone in 23 games.

HOW IT HAPPENEND: Azusa Pacific broke out to a double figure lead, leading by as many as 16 points, but the Lancers fought their way back.

Azusa Pacific built a double figure lead in the first quarter and looked to be in firm control but game's momentum flipped in the third quarter. Even though the Cougars continued to hold their lead, California Baptist (8-11, 5-6 PacWest) pulled within three points at the close of the frame.

The Lancers took a 63-61 lead with just under eight minutes left in the fourth period. Neither team held a lead larger than two points which set-up an exciting finish.

On back-to-back possession with under two minutes left, Savanna Hanson and Gina Henderson hit shots from behind the arc and turned a 68-67 deficit into a 73-69 lead. Trailing by that two-point spread, California Baptist's Emma Meriggioli hit a pair of free throws with 49 seconds left to heighten the drama.

The intensity continued after an empty possession on the Cougars ensuing possession. The Lancers called a timeout and worked a play that gave Meriggoli a wide open three-pointer with 12 seconds left. Her potential game winning shot didn't find the mark and Hanson hit one-of-two free throws to keep the game at just one possession. On their next opportunity Lexy Ram missed a driving lay-up and after Zoe March got the rebound she hit a pair of free throws to seal the win.

QUOTEABLE: "When you play a rivalry game like that you know that it is not going to be easy. I am proud of us. We started off strong, played well and we hit a lull then they played well," said head coach T.J. Hardeman. "The team responded and said 'game on' and played well and that's fun. It's almost like getting two wins. We had them once, let them back in, then beat them again."

On the back-to-back three-pointers – "We were getting those shots most of the game but we weren't always hitting them. We felt like we were getting good shots and it was great to see them knock them down."

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

- Hanson scored 21 of her game high 27 points in the first half
- Zoe March, who came into the game leading the country in assist-to-turnover ratio, dished out seven assists and had just one turnover. She also scored 11 points
- Abbigail Goodsell notched 13 points in 34 minutes
- By forcing the Lancers into 24 turnovers, Azusa Pacific posted a 28-14 edge in points off turnovers

PACWEST STANDINGS: Heading into the weekend the Cougars sit along in second place with seven league games remaining. Hawai'i Pacific leads the standings with a 9-1 conference record.

UP NEXT: The Cougars conclude their two-game homestand on Saturday when they host Concordia at 5:30 p.m.