FRESNO, Calif. -- Azusa Pacific rolled to an 80-57 win over Fresno Pacific, improving the Cougars' record to 19-4 overall, and 16-1 in PacWest play. It was the second time the two teams have faced off this season, and there was certainly less drama this time around.

In the first meeting, Azusa Pacific narrowly escaped with an 81-80 victory. However, it was not without controversy, as Fresno Pacific took a shot from just inside half-court, with the shot finding the bottom of the net. Following a celebration by Fresno Pacific and an on-court conference between the referees, the basket was waved off, awarding the Cougars the win.
 
The rematch saw the Cougars dominate the first half, as they took a 45-25 lead into the halftime intermission. Azusa Pacific went 17-for-36 (47.2%) from the floor, while holding Fresno Pacific to just a 9-for-40 (22.5%) performance in the first 20 minutes of play. Fresno Pacific showed signs of life in the third quarter, however, Azusa Pacific responded and maintained a double-digit cushion throughout the remainder of the contest.
 
How It Happened: Azusa Pacific outscored the Sunbirds in three of the four quarters of play. The Cougars posted a 24-12 advantage in the first 10 minutes of action, a 21-13 margin in the second quarter, and won the fourth quarter, 18-12. Fresno Pacific outscored the Cougars in the third quarter, 20-17. Overall, the Cougars shot 44 percent (30-for-69) from the floor, while holding Fresno Pacific to just 26 percent on 21-for-80 shooting. Azusa Pacific out-rebounded the Sunbirds by a 56-48 margin. A huge key for Azusa Pacific entering the game was working the ball inside and scoring around the hoop. The Cougars were able to do just that, as they outscored Fresno Pacific 38-20 in points in the paint. In addition to attacking and scoring inside, the Cougars were able to draw fouls, taking 21 free throws, converting on 14 attempts. Fresno Pacific took just 13 free throws in the game, making eight of those attempts.
 
Turning Point: While Fresno Pacific was unable to cut the deficit to single digits, the Sunbirds were able to cut into the 20-point halftime lead of the Cougars. With about two and a half minutes left in the third quarter, a Fresno Pacific layup cut the deficit to 13 at 58-45, which was the closest the Sunbirds would get in the second half. Junior Savanna Hanson responded for the Cougars, as she knocked down a three-pointer to push the lead back to 16, at 61-45. Including the Hanson three, Azusa Pacific went on a 17-3 run to close out the third and open the fourth quarter, as the Cougars held a comfortable 73-49 lead with just under five minutes remaining in the game.
 
Azusa Pacific Standouts: The Cougars were led by junior Daylee Hanson, who recorded a double-double in the game with 19 points and 10 rebounds, adding six assists and three steals. Cierra Roufosse also recorded a double-double for the Cougars with 10 points and a game-high 14 rebounds. Roufosse also had a team-high four blocks. Azusa Pacific was led in scoring by Savanna Hanson, who finished with 21 points, including three makes from beyond the arc. She also had one block, steal and assist in the game. Sophomore Laura Pranger was the final Cougar to score in double digits, as she had 13 points, while also collecting six rebounds, two assists, two blocks, and a steal.
 
Fresno Pacific Standouts: The Sunbirds had two players score in double figures, as Bree Alvarez finished with 14 and Jessica Malazarte had 13. Malazarte also led the Sunbirds with four assists. Julia Locastro was a presence inside for Fresno Pacific, as she had 12 rebounds and a game-high seven blocks.
 
Up Next: The first-place Cougars will close out the regular season with five consecutive PacWest home games. Up first for Azusa Pacific is Hawai'i Pacific, the team responsible for the Cougars' lone PacWest defeat this season. The two teams meet on Saturday, Feb. 16 at 5:30 p.m. The game will be streamed live on ESPN3.