AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific defeated visiting Holy Names by a 95-37 final on Thursday afternoon. The Cougars' 58-point win is the program's largest margin of victory in nearly 16 years, as Azusa Pacific last beat an opponent by 58 points or more in 2005, when it defeated Christian Heritage (now San Diego Christian) by a 110-45 final.
 
Azusa Pacific was led by Laura Pranger, who nearly had her second triple-double of the season, as she finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds and nine blocked shots. Pranger was joined in double figures by Savanna Hanson (16), Daylee Hanson (12) and Molly Whitmore (11). Daylee Hanson led the Cougars in steals with five, and Savanna Hanson tallied a team-high four assists. Alex Lowden was another key player in the victory, as she finished with 11 rebounds, including five on the offensive end, to go along with six points, four steals, two assists and a block. Lowden, a guard, has had four or more rebounds in seven of Azusa Pacific's 11 games this season.
 
Following a Tuesday night performance in which the Cougars allowed just 33 points on six field goals in a 75-33 win over Lake Superior State, Azusa Pacific was right back at it on the defensive end. The Cougars forced Holy Names to finish 11-for-53 (21%) from the floor overall. The Hawks were held to single digit scoring in the first and third quarters, and no more than 13 points in any of the four periods. From deep, Holy Names' only three-pointer came in the fourth quarter, as the Hawks went 1-for-10 from beyond-the-arc. Holy Names had 26 turnovers in the game, 19 of which were steals by the Cougar defense. The Cougars also kept Holy Names off of the offensive glass, as the Hawks finished with only eight offensive rebounds and no second chance points.
 
Offensively, the Cougars got off to a quick start in the first quarter by taking a 32-6 lead. In the first 10 minutes of action, Azusa Pacific shot 12-for-20 (60%) from the floor, including five made three-pointers. While the Cougars would not continue to score at a 32-point per quarter clip, Azusa Pacific only shot below 47% in the third quarter. The Cougars finished 36-for-76 (47%) overall, including nine made three pointers. Of Azusa Pacific's 36 field goals, 24 of those were assisted on.
 
With the victory, Azusa Pacific improves to 9-2 overall and 3-2 in PacWest play. The Cougars are now set to prepare for a home game against Point Loma, a team which is tied for first place in the conference. The Sea Lions enter Saturday's game at 4-0 in PacWest play (8-2 overall). The two teams will tip-off in the Felix Event Center on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 2:00 pm.