STEPHENVILLE, Texas -- Azusa Pacific's second NCAA Division II playoff appearance produced a first-round exit after No. 6-ranked Tarleton State controlled the matchup from wire to wire in a 58-0 victory over the No. 24-ranked Cougars.

The Texans rolled up 579 yards of total offense while holding Azusa Pacific to 217 yards, of which all but one yard came through the air. Tarleton State forced four Azusa Pacific turnovers, leading to 14 points off turnovers, all in the first half as the Texans built a 37-0 halftime lead.

Azusa Pacific was held to 59 yards after halftime as Tarleton State put the finishing touches on a first-round shutout. With the loss, Azusa Pacific finishes the season 8-4, while Tarleton State improves to 11-0 and moves on to a second-round Lone Star Conference rematch with Texas A&M-Commerce.

How It Happened: Tarleton State scored five first-half touchdowns along with a field goal, taking a 37-0- halftime lead. The Texans kept the Cougars off the scoreboard in part due to four first-half turnovers which started with a red zone interception. In the second half, Tarleton State controlled the ball for nearly 20 of the final 30 minutes of play and added three more touchdowns.

Turning Point: The game turned completely on the first three possessions of each team, and three second-quarter turnovers gave Tarleton State the opportunity to put the game out of reach early. The Cougars received the opening kickoff and went three-and-out on its first two possessions before answering a pair of Texan touchdowns with a drive to the Tarleton State eight-yard line. A pair of holding penalties drove the Cougars back, and Prince Robinson intercepted Williams' pass to Carr at the five.

Although the Cougar defense forced a three-and-out, Tarleton State punter Ron Reid blasted an 84-yard punt which bounced and rolled all the way inside the Azusa Pacific one-yard line. Four fumbles in the second quarter, including one on the exchange on what would have been a 48-yard field goal attempt, led to all three of the Texans' second-quarter touchdowns.

Azusa Pacific Standouts: Williams was 17-for-37 passing, completing passes to five different receivers. Darrell Adams Jr. had a team-high six receptions for 63 yards, while Brandon Jackson, Bryce Grandison, and Gaige Allen registered three catches apiece. James Hubbard had two catches for 45 yards. Senior linebackers Adrian Shocks and Aaron Berry led the defense, with Shocks recording a season-high 17 tackles while Aaron Berry added 12 tackles including a sack.

Tarleton State Standouts: The Texans produced a 200-yard rusher and a 100-yard receiver, while quarterback Ben Holmes completed 13-of-17 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns. Xavier Turner led the rushing attack with 23 carries for 206 yards and three touchdowns, and Zimari Manning hauled in five receptions for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Prince Robinson led the defense with eight tackles and an interception, and he also forced a fumble and recorded another pass breakup.

What's Next: While Tarleton State moves on in the postseason, Azusa Pacific wraps up the season and turns its attention to National Signing Day on Feb. 6, 2019, when recruits can first sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI) and spring football practice later in the year.

Postgame Press Conference: (Head Coach Victor Santa Cruz with Adrian Shocks and Tyrone Williams Jr.)