AZUSA, Calif.-- The Azusa Pacific women's basketball team couldn't hold off hot-shooting No. 7 Hawai'i Pacific, falling 85-71 to the Sharks on Monday evening. Hawai'i Pacific shot 92.6 percent (25-for-27) from the free throw line, and had six Sharks post double figures offensively.
How It Happened:
The Cougars opened the contest with the first basket of the game, as Cierra Roufosse scored in the paint to help set the tone early for Azusa Pacific. It wasn't until the second quarter when the Cougars jumped out to their largest lead of the game of 11 points, 29-18, before the Sharks rallied back with a 15-0 run to gain control of the lead for good before the half.
Entering the second half, Azusa Pacific attempted to chip away at Hawai'i Pacific's lead with an opening 3-point basket from Savanna Hanson, but shots fell more consistently for the Sharks as they turned a seven point edge into a 22 point lead. The Cougars attempted one last rally midway through the fourth quarter to cut the lead 69-57, but Hawai'i Pacific answered back with five consecutive points to seal the victory.
The Sharks generated a 25-9 edge over the Cougars in fast break points, as well as an 46-33 margin in rebounding.
Azusa Pacific Standouts:
Junior guard Savanna Hanson scored a game-high 18 points with four rebounds and two assists to lead the Cougars. Hanson went 4-for-8 (50 percent) from the 3-point line. Also finishing in double figures for Azusa Pacific was Rachel Bozlee, who finished with 12 points, which included four baskets from beyond the three-point line.
Hawai'i Pacific Standouts:
Six players also finished in double figures for the Sharks, led by Abby Noblett's 18-point effort with Amy Baum adding 17 points. Starr Rivera posted 16 points while Alysha Marcucci added 13 points. Ally Bates notched in 11 points, while Theresa Spatzier tallied in 10, respectively.
What's Next: The Cougars are now 18-4 overall, and 12-4 in PacWest play. Azusa Pacific now turns its attention to Thursday's home game against Fresno Pacific at 5:15 p.m.
