BELLINGHAM, Wash. -- Azusa Pacific fell to the Western Washington Vikings 83-63 on Saturday evening. This was the Cougars' second and final game of the GNAC/PacWest Challenge.
Justin Hemsley led the Cougars with 18 points, finishing 8-14 from the field, and tied for the team-high with four rebounds. McKelary Robertson (15 points) and Ken West (10 points) were the only two players to join Hemsley in double figures. Robertson was named to the All-Tournament team after averaging 14.5 points and 3.5 assists for the Cougars across the two games.
A silver lining amidst the loss was the 36 points scored off the bench tonight for Azusa Pacific. Hemsley led the way, followed by Hayden Gray and Ben Avera with six apiece.
How it Happened: The Vikings took control of the game early with an 11-2 lead and led from start-to-finish in this game. The Cougars fought to keep the Vikings within reach but were never able to get within five points. Eventually, Western Washington was able to extend their lead to 13 heading into halftime with a score of 36-29. The Cougars shot only 38% in the first half (13-34) and 25% from downtown (3-12). While the Vikings shot 50% from the field (14-28) and 37.5% from beyond-the-arc (3-8). Although the Cougars led 19-17 in rebounds, they trailed 20-13 in points in the paint.
In the second half, the Vikings began to blow the game wide open as they went on a 21-5 run out of the half to take a 22-point lead. The Cougars struggled to score in the second half only tallying 34 points to the Vikings' 47. Western Washington would extend their lead to 25 points with less than three minutes to go in regulation. In response, the Cougars were able to respond with a few good plays off their transition to full-court press defense. They forced the Vikings into four turnovers in the second half and cut their deficit down to 20 points by the end of the game.
By the Numbers: Overall, the Cougars struggled to shoot, averaging only 41% (26-63) from the field whereas the Vikings confidently shot 60% (33-55). The Vikings had the big advantage in points in the paint recording over half of their points in the category (44-30). Defensively, both teams were able to convert 13 points off turnovers as well. However, the Cougars got into foul trouble early in both halves forcing the Vikings to the line 13 times compared to Azusa Pacific's seven. From beyond-the-arc, Azusa Pacific shot just 27%, with three made in each half (6-22), while Western Washington shot 43.8% from downtown (7-16).
Up Next: Azusa Pacific (0-4) will head back to Southern California to play at Cal State Los Angeles on Tuesday, November 23rd on the road. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:00pm.
