AZUSA, Calif. – Azusa Pacific made a strong impression on a national stage, as the Cougars knocked off Hawai'i Pacific, 72-56, in the NCAA Division II Showcase streamed live on ESPN 3. With the victory, the Cougars clinched a spot in the PacWest Tournament.
How It Happened: Azusa Pacific raced out to a 20-point halftime lead, 41-21, after shooting 50 percent (14-for-28) from the floor while holding Hawai'i Pacific to just 26% (8-for-31) shooting in the first 20 minutes. The Cougars knocked down seven of its nine three-pointers in the first half and went 15-for-23 (65%) from the free throw line.
Turning Point: Five minutes into the game, Hawai'i Pacific held a 9-7 lead, but over the next eight minutes, Azusa Pacific scored 15 unanswered points to take a 22-9 lead with 8:07 left in the first half. Hawai'i Pacific scored on two straight possessions to momentarily halt the momentum, but the Cougars closed out the half on a 19-7 run. The first 20 minutes of action allowed the Cougars to play with a comfortable lead for the remainder of the contest, as the Sharks never got closer than 16 points in the second half.
Azusa Pacific Standouts: Three Cougars scored in double figures, as senior
Darien McClain finished with 13 points, junior
Jake Spurgeon added 12 points, and junior
Selom Mawugbe scored 10 points, marking the 14th consecutive game Mawugbe has scored in double figures. Mawugbe also added four steals and two blocks on the defensive end. McClain had a game-high seven assists, and Spurgeon was the Cougars' rebounding leader with eight.
Hawai'i Pacific Standouts: Jonathan Janssen was the lone Sharks player to score in double figures, as he scored 13 points in the game. Ronald Blain nearly had a double-double, as he was one point shy with nine points scored with a game-high 10 rebounds.
Up Next: Azusa Pacific, now 16-9 overall and 13-5 in the PacWest, moved up to third place in the conference standings after Chaminade lost in overtime Saturday at Point Loma. The Cougars host Chaminade on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
