AZUSA, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific avenged its lone PacWest defeat, as the Cougars defeated Hawai'i Pacific by a final of 71-63, in a game that was featured on the NCAA Division II Showcase streamed live on the ESPN 3 platform.

Both teams have clinched spots in the PacWest Tournament, but the victory gives Azusa Pacific a two-game lead over Hawai'i Pacific and Dominican (both teams have three conference losses) for the regular-season conference title as the Cougars improved to 20-4 overall, 17-1 in PacWest play.
 
How It Happened: In the first matchup of the season between the two teams, the Sharks posted a significant advantage on points in the paint, as they outscored the Cougars 38-20. As a result, Azusa Pacific knew it had to be more deliberate in working the ball inside. The Cougars plan of attack proved to be the difference in the game, as their eight point margin of victory in the rematch mirrored the 30-22 advantage on points in the paint. Additionally, the Cougars shot a total of 28 free throws as a result of their aggressive game plan. Azusa Pacific finished 21-for-28 (75%) from the charity stripe, while Hawai'i Pacific was just 7-for-14 (50%).
 
Turning Point: Hawai'i Pacific held a 32-29 halftime lead, and the Sharks opened the scoring in the third quarter with back-to-back baskets from Alysha Marucci and Samantha Lambrigtsen, extending the lead to 36-29 in the opening minute of the quarter. Azusa Pacific answered quickly, scoring 11 unanswered points to seize a 40-36 lead with 6:50 left in the third quarter. Azusa Pacific never trailed again in the game, leading by as many as 10 points at 66-56 with just under two minutes remaining in the game. In the fourth quarter, the Sharks were unable to cut the deficit to anything smaller than five points.
 
Azusa Pacific Standouts: Two Cougars recorded a double-double in the game, while three other players finished with 10 or more points. Junior guard Savanna Hanson scored a game-high 18 points, and she also grabbed 11 rebounds to post her eighth double-double of the season. Junior forward Cierra Roufosse notched her fourth double-double of the season, scoring 11 points and collecting 11 rebounds. Junior guard Daylee Hanson and sophomore center Laura Pranger each had 12 points, and junior guard Rachel Bozlee added 10 points. Daylee Hanson led the way defensively for the Cougars with seven steals, and she leads the PacWest in steals with 70 on the season. Pranger finished with a game-high five blocks.
 
Hawai'i Pacific Standouts: The Sharks had four different players score in double figures, as Marucci and Breanna Mackenzie had 12 each, while Amy Baum and Starr Rivera scored 10 points. Mackenzie also had four steals.
 
Quotable: "We knew the paint was something we really needed to address, and we handled that well defensively. Our points in the paint were a lot better as well, we are a good three-point shooting team, but we weren't trying to beat them in a three-point shooting contest." – Coach TJ Hardeman
 
"We were prepared for their plays this time around. We knew what they were going to be doing on each play, so we were able to be in the right spots, while the first game we were not matched up well and gave up way too many wide open layups. Physically, we were shell-shocked in the first meeting. But this time around we were much more prepared for the way they play and how physical they are." – Junior Savanna Hanson
 
Up Next: With the win, Azusa Pacific improves to 20-4 overall, and 17-1 in the PacWest. The Cougars have had at least 20 wins in four of its five seasons as an active NCAA Division II program. The Cougars continue the five-game homestand to close out the regular season, hosting Chaminade on Tuesday, Feb. 19 at 5:30 p.m.