AZUSA, Calif. – One look at a final boxscore and it would look like a ho-hum 24-point win. To those who watched the entire game it was something a bit different.
Azusa Pacific overcame a four-point first-half deficit to run away with an 83-59 win against Concordia on Saturday evening.
The 19th ranked Cougars improve to 21-3 overall and 12-2 in league contests while the Eagles fall to 10-8 and 7-5 respectively
SECOND HALF vs. FIRST HALF: The Concordia long-range came was efficient in helping them build a 35-31 edge at halftime. Concordia hit seven of their 15 attempts from behind the arc. Conversely the Cougars connected on just two of their 17 jumpers from deep. Despite hitting just a third of their 36 field goal attempts, the Azusa Pacific defense was steady as they forced the Eagles into 11 turnovers and stayed close.
The last 20 minutes was a complete rotation. Azusa Pacific could do almost no wrong on the offense end which was set-up by one of their best halves of defense of the season. The Cougars missed just nine of their 29 jump shots (20-for-29) in the third and fourth quarters combined. Furthermore they were 5-for-8 from behind the arc. On the defensive side of the court they limited Concordia to a 6-for-24 performance while forcing them into eight turnovers.
CAREER HIGH FOR Zoe March: The sophomore played one of her best all-around games in a Cougar uniform. She scored a game high 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor. She was also a perfect from the foul line (4-for-4). She dished out three assists and had three steals and a block in 26 minutes as well.
QUOTEABLE: "We did a much better job in the second half defensively of closing the gaps, making it more difficult for them to drive and we rebounded better as well. It was a fun second half," said head coach T.J. Hardeman. "I like where we are at right now. We are getting a feel for where we want to be and we are putting ourselves in position to peak at the right time."
On March's effort … "Oh my gosh, she was great tonight. She was attacking the hoop and kept our offense moving. And, she did a good job defensively as well."
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Helped by Savanna Hanson's team best nine rebounds, Azusa Pacific posted a 45-26 edge on the boards
- Abbigail Goodsell dished out seven assists in helping the Cougars to 21; the most since a Jan. 3 game against Fresno Pacific
- The Cougars won the battle in the paint (42-12) and in points off turnovers (28-15)
- Everyone who dressed for the Cougars saw playing time
UP NEXT: The Cougars take a week off before travel down I-605 for a #CornerstoneCup contest with Biola on Saturday, Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
