AZUSA, Calif. -- Despite fighting back from a large first half deficit, Azusa Pacific fell to Humboldt State in the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II West Region 66-60.

The Cougars started the game off strong, making a 5-0 run to open the first quarter. However, the Lumberjacks responded in a big way, ripping off 17 straight points to take the lead. That run propelled Humboldt State to a 24-14 lead headed into the second quarter.

Azusa Pacific battled back in the second quarter. The offensive push was led by Gina Henderson and Gabrielle Kaiser, and the Cougars regained the lead in the final minute of the half, with a score of 36-33. The third quarter went back-and-forth, with two ties and two lead changes as Azusa Pacific held a 53-49 advantage heading into the final quarter.

The final 10 minutes were just as close as the third quarter, with both teams battling to keep their seasons alive. With just over five minutes left, Riann Thayer made a layup to take the lead (60-58) to close out an 8-0 scoring spurt. The Lumberjacks would not look back. The Humboldt State defense held the Cougars to just seven points in the fourth quarter, and scoreless in the final two minutes.

The Lumberjack offense was led by Isamar Conde who had 22 points and 12 rebounds. Tula Turner chipped in 14 points and five rebounds, while Rian Thayer ended the night with 11 points and 12 rebounds.

Azusa Pacific's Gabrielle Kaiser posted 14 points and seven rebounds. Zoe March and Darlene Hanson each had 10 points.

Humboldt State will face Alaska Anchorage in the semifinals of the West Region at 7:30 on Saturday.