OAKLAND, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific opened a two-game road trip to the Bay Area with an 84-63 win over Holy Names Thursday night. The Cougars raced out to an early lead, dominating the first half with a 42-19 lead at halftime. While Holy Names was able to trim the lead down to 11 at 66-55 in the fourth quarter, Azusa Pacific held off any hope for a comeback and closed out the game in commanding fashion.
 
How It Happened: In nearly all statistical categories, Azusa Pacific held the advantage. The Cougars shot 43 percent (33-for-77) from the floor, including 39 percent (10-for-26) from beyond the three-point line. Meanwhile, Holy Names shot just 34 percent (22-for-64) overall, and 32 percent (8-for-25) from deep. The Cougars outrebounded the Hawks by a 47-28 margin, including a 21-9 edge in offensive boards. Azusa Pacific scored 23 second chance points, while Holy Names had just seven. Azusa Pacific also had its bench score 24 points, while the Hawks reserves totaled 14 points.
 
Turning Point: Holy Names slowly chipped away at the Cougar lead, trimming the margin to 11 at 66-55 with 7:01 left in the contest. On the following Azusa Pacific possession, junior Daylee Hanson hit a three-pointer to make it 69-55. While the Hawks converted on a layup on their next trip down the floor, the Cougars scored the next eight points to extend their lead to 20 at 77-57 with 4:48 left in the game, halting all of HNU's momentum.
 
Azusa Pacific Standouts: Cierra Roufosse posted her second double-double of the season, finishing with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while also adding three blocks, a steal, and an assists in 28 minutes of action. Savanna Hanson scored a game-high 19 points, also collecting five rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Two other Cougars scored in double figures, as Rachel Bozlee had 13 points and Laura Pranger scored 12. Bozlee added four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Pranger had six rebounds and three assists.
 
Holy Names Standouts: Onjalise Carley-Hilliard led the Hawks with 16 points on 6-for-8 shooting from the floor and 4-for-6 from the free throw line. Jaliah Williams was close to recording a double-double, as she scored 11 points and had eight rebounds.
 
What's Next: Azusa Pacific, now 13-3 overall and 10-0 in PacWest play, will travel to Notre Dame de Namur for a 1:00 p.m. game on Saturday, Jan. 12. The Cougars will then have a week to prepare for the home rematch of the Cornerstone Cup, as the Cougars welcome Biola to the Felix Event Center on Saturday, Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m.