AZUSA, Calif. – It was a celebratory way to finish the home regular season schedule.
Azusa Pacific overcame some shaky shooting to post an 81-62 win against Hawai'i Hilo on Thursday evening.
After the 19-point win the program took the time to honor its five seniors who were completing their collegiate career in a Cougar uniform.
SENIORS ON THE COURT: The group of four who suited-up for the contest combined to score 38 points. Gabrielle Kaiser led the way with a 21-point effort. She also grabbed 10 rebounds for her second double-double of the season. Abbigail Goodsell hit key late three-pointer en route to a 13-point, five-assist swan song. Ariana Abo scored four points to round out the senior scorers.
STRONG FINISH: Despite hovering around 30 percent shooting for most of the game, the Cougars were able to keep the lead throughout the night. Hawai'i Hilo (6-14, 4-14 PacWest) was able to pull within four points early in the fourth quarter but could not get their deficit down to a single possession.
Azusa Pacific (25-3, 16-2)put the game away during a three-plus minute stretch when they outscored the Vulcans with an 11-0 run in the middle of the fourth quarter.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- The Cougars grabbed 23 offensive rebounds for the second straight game. Only a 25 offensive rebound effort against Wisconsin-Parkside was more this season. Azusa Pacific held a 21-9 edge in second chance points.
- Savanna Hanson racked-up a team best 13 rebounds and four blocks
- Zoe March scored 12 points and had four assists, without committing a turnover, in 23 minutes
- For the game the Cougars shot 34.6 percent from the floor
POSTSEASON NOTES: On Wednesday the NCAA revealed the first of three west region rankings that are used to determine the top eight teams who will qualify for the NCAA National Tournament. Azusa Pacific was listed as the top team in the region. There are two more reveals over the next two Wednesdays with the final announcement coming during the selection show on Sunday, March 4.
UP NEXT: The Cougars travel to Hawai'i Pacific for a contest that will determine the PacWest regular season title. The teams tangle in Honolulu on Thursday, Feb. 22. Azusa Pacific sits one-game behind the Sharks in the loss column.
