AZUSA, Calif. — Azusa Pacific defeated Hawai'i Hilo 69-62 on Saturday afternoon in the Felix Event Center, with the help of Ken West and Hayden Gray. With the win, the Cougars improve to 7-6 overall and 4-2 in PacWest play just one game behind the Vulcans who dropped to 6-2 in conference action. 

West led the Cougars with 18 points, including a team-high three triples, while Gray collected 16 points and four assists. West and Gray each collected nine rebounds as well. 

How it Happened: The Vulcans were off to a strong start in the first half as they took a quick six-point lead just two minutes into the game. The Cougars attempted to close the gap with a layup by Allan McBride and a three-pointer by Ken West to put the score at 6-5, but Hawai'i Hilo found themselves with a 13-point advantage up 22-9 with 8 minutes left in the half. Yet Azusa Pacific cut the deficit and found themselves at only a six-point disadvantage with the help of layups and free throws by McBride and West. The Vulcans finished the first half strong though and led 40-29 at the break.

Nate Kleppe sparked the Cougars with an and-one to start the second half on a reverse layup. But, Hawai'i Hilo responded with a three-pointer and layup to keep Azusa Pacific at bay. 

The Cougars pressed on as Gray delivered two jumpers and Kleppe tabbed a jumper as well. This closed the gap to 45-37. Once again, the Vulcans responded with three baskets to keep their lead comfortable at 51-39.

Turning Point: With 14 minutes left, Gray went on a 5-0 run himself which included a tip-in, floater and a free throw. After a Vulcans bucket, West found the net from beyond-the-arc with 9 minutes remaining to close the gap to 53-47. Two free throws by Kleppe and a shot from beyond-the-arc by Ben Avera found the Cougars within two. West then delivered a layup to tie the game and got fouled on the play converting the free throw to give Azusa Pacific its first lead, 55-54. They would hold the lead for the final 4:55 of the game.

The Cougars would stretch their lead from the foul line from there on out, eventually winning by a score of 69-62. 

By the Numbers: Azusa Pacific shot 43% from the floor (22-for-51) and were 27% from downtown (6-for-22) in the contest, while Hawai'i Hilo shot 40% from the field (26–for-63) and 20% from deep (5-for-24). The key to the Cougars success in the game came from the second half, as they shot a 45 FG%, compared to a first half 40 FG%. Azusa Pacific also took advantage of fouls, shooting a 76 FT%, compared to the Vulcans 45 FT%. The Cougars also led in points in the paint 28-26 and led second chance points 16-9. 

Up Next: Azusa Pacific will be back in action on Monday, January 24th as they face Chaminade with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. at the Felix Event Center. There are no spectators allowed, but the game can be live streamed by following this link here.